Nick McKees37
McKee's 37 Product Support
- Jan 6, 2011
- 7,265
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I've tested, compared, and written so many articles about wheel cleaners and tire dressings that I could do it in my sleep. You would expect my enthusiasm to wear off, but with products like the new formula Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel, that's simply not possible. Products that excel always keep me coming back for more, and before I know it my hands are moving frantically as I try and express my passion and appreciation for products that I proudly proclaim to be the good stuff.
The Good Stuff
The good stuff is represented by products that transcend what's expected in their category - ie: a paint sealant that lasts longer, shines better, and is easier to apply and remove than anything else; a glass cleaner that miraculously cleans better without compromising ease of application; an interior cleaner that is safe on all surfaces without using a formula comprised of volatile chemicals.
Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel - New Formula
The latest product to earn that title is by Pinnacle. Black Onyx Tire Gel has been formulated to provide easier application, outstanding durability, and superior performance across a wide range of different tire compounds (ie: summer tires, all seasons tires, etc). Plus, you can adjust the level of gloss by how many coats you apply.
How to use Black Onyx Tire Gel
In my experience, all season SUV tires (next to winter tires) are the most difficult to achieve "the look" that we all desire. The compound used is hard, and most tire gels have a difficult time penetrating them. To demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the new formula Black Onyx Tire Gel, I grabbed the keys to a relatively new Lexus GX470 and detailed the wheels and tires.
This is how they looked before. As you can see, the wheels weren't too dirty, but they could still use a thorough cleaning. I reached for Pinnacle's color-changing wheel cleaner - Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate, along with my favorite wheel and tire brushes, and went to work.
I started by spraying the face of the wheel and the wheel barrel with Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate.
Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate was formulated without inexpensive acids, butyl ethers, or petroleum distillates; rest assured you’re only treating your vehicle to the best every time you use Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate. While most wheel cleaners remove brake dust that’s on the surface, Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate dissolves what’s below the surface – embedded brake-dust particles that cause long-term damage. As soon as you spray Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate onto the finish, it immediately starts working by opening up the pores in the surface, dissolving brake-dust particles so they can be rinsed away. By removing embedded brake-dust particles, you eliminate the long-term pitting effect of corrosion.
The color changing effect began seconds after spraying on the cleaner.
Pause!
The longer Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate sits on the wheel, the less agitation required, so while the wheel cleaner dwelled and did its thing, I sprayed the tires down with Pinnacle Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate.
While the wheel cleaner was dwelling on the surface, I sprayed Pinnacle Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate onto the tires. This concentrated all purpose cleaner was formulated without caustic ingredients that are harmful to you and the environment. Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate is safe enough to use on interior components, even at full strength. For light duty cleaning, you can dilute Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate with water. It makes an excellent tire cleaner.
Tires and what you should know about them
Thoroughly cleaning your tires with Pinnacle Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate will do wonders for restoring the rich, black appearance of your tires. This concentrated all purpose cleaner was formulated without caustic ingredients that are harmful to you and the environment. Pinnacle Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate will even remove browning caused by other tire gels. This eco-friendly all purpose cleaner is gentle enough to use on interior surface as well.
The most vital step in tire care is the regular application of a tire dressing, like Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel. You see, tire manufacturers add in a chemical compound called antiozonant. This compound protects tires from cracking and dry rot and it does this by continually working its way to the outer surface when you drive your car at speed.
As the antiozonant in the rubber is exposed to ozone in the air, it turns brown on your tires. This phenomenon is called blooming. Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel replenishes the rubber using natural conditioners that won’t deplete the natural antiozonants in the tire. Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel is a dual-purpose product; meaning it protects and beautifies your tires.
Back to the wheels...
After spending a few minutes spraying the tire down and taking photos for this article, the wheel was ready for agitation with a host of my favorite wheel brushes.
Note: I will come back to cleaning the tires after the wheels are cleaned.
I started by cleaning the wheel with the Speed Master Wheel Brush.
The Speed Master Wheel Brush is a must-have tool for proper wheel cleaning. Its long handle, reinforced flexible stem, and patented bristles make it possible to clean where no other brush is able to. Clean behind spokes, in between the brake caliper and the wheel barrel, and more!
The face of the wheel was cleaned using the Wheel Woolies Boar’s Hair Wheel Brush. The Wheel Woolies Boar’s Hair Wheel Brush is a specially designed short-handle wheel brush that is designed to gently clean delicate wheel finishes. Featuring all-natural feathered boar’s hair bristles, the Wheel Woolies Boar’s Hair Wheel Brush removes dirt, grime and brake dust from intricate wheel designs. Use the Wheel Woolies Boar’s Hair Wheel Brush to safely clean clear coated, anodized, polished, aluminum, painted, powder coated and chrome wheels.
I used a Wolfgang Finger Pocket for the stubborn areas where the bristles of the brush weren't stiff enough.
Clean Wheel Lug Nut Brush for the lug nuts....
Back to the tires...
By now the tire cleaner had plenty of time to dwell. Even though the tires on this Lexus have a tall sidewall, I still used the Low Profile Tire Brush because its short, stiff bristles and ergonomic handle make it an excellent tool for scrubbing dirty tires of all sizes.
Once the wheels and tires were squeaky clean, I rinsed them off using the Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle. This is one of my favorite detailing tools because its rugged, increases water pressure, has a big "bail" handle, and can be adjusted for a fine mist or a strong jet of water.
Dried the wheels and tires with a Black All Purpose & Wheel Detailing Towel.
Icing on the Cake
Just to play it safe I let the tires dry in the sun for an hour before applying the gel. You should never apply a tire gel to a wet tire because it can significantly reduce the durability of the dressing.
The new formula Black Onyx Tire Gel goes on very thin, so you don't have to use a whole lot of product. I applied it using a Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicator. We include one of these with the purchase of Black Onyx Tire Gel.
Finished product
This is what the tire on the Lexus looked like after one coat of Black Onyx Tire Gel. The tires have deep, black luster without having that "used car sheen" that so many people dislike. A second coat could be applied for an even glossier, darker finish. I stuck with one coat.
If a satin finish is what you prefer, simply buff the tire a few minutes after applying one coat of the gel.
If you've been searching for the perfect tire gel, look no further than the new formula Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel. I guarantee you will love it.
At Autogeek.net
Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel
Pinnacle Advanced Wheel Cleaner Concentrate
Pinnacle Signature All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
Speed Master Wheel Brush
Wheel Woolies Boar’s Hair Wheel Brush
Clean Wheel Lug Nut Brush
Wolfgang Finger Pockets
Microfiber All Purpose & Wheel Detailing Towel
Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicators
Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle
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