APC's vs tire cleaners

runrun411

runrun411

New member
Joined
Oct 9, 2012
Messages
1,789
Reaction score
0
I usually use M101 or CG All Clean or some other APC to get the tires prepped for a sealant. Are dedicated tire cleaners really worth it or should I just go with a stronger dilution of APC?
 
runrun411 said:
Are dedicated tire cleaners really worth it or should I just go with a stronger dilution of APC?
Click to expand...

I can't answer the value proposition for you. But for me, I know that even after using APC multiple passes, I can still get stuff off of my tires with Tuf Shine tire cleaner. It's expensive, so I went ahead and got the gallon concentrate to save money over the long run.
 
I think you know what I'm going to say but IMO APC can work just as well for tires.
 
ihaveacamaro said:
I think you know what I'm going to say but IMO APC can work just as well for tires.
Click to expand...
:iagree:IMO dedicated tire cleaners are nothing more than a strong degreaser in a fancy bottle.."Marketing"
 
Dedicated tire cleaners contain a component that is not found in all purpose cleaners, which is what makes them so effective at deep cleaning tires.

This same component is harmful for surfaces intended to be cleaned with an APC (ie: leather, vinyl, etc), which is why an APC does NOT contain this key ingredient.

If you don't plan on coating your tires, then you can get away with using an APC for routine cleaning, however choose your cleaner wisely as some APCs are caustic and what you think is dirt that's being removed from the tire is actually vital antiozonants and rubber conditioners leaching out from the surface due to the aggressiveness of the cleaner being used.

Keep in mind if you clean your vehicle every weekend, it's not necessary to clean the tires every single time you wash the car, especially if you apply a tire gel/spray on a regular basis. If and when you do use an APC to clean your tires as part of routine maintenance, dilute it 1:10 (or whatever the recommended dilution ratio is for "mild" strength). There's no need to use it full strength.

:dblthumb2:
 
Rsurfer said:
:iagree:IMO dedicated tire cleaners are nothing more than a strong degreaser in a fancy bottle.."Marketing"
Click to expand...

Degreasers and tire cleaners do have some commonalities from a chemistry standpoint, however there are several differences (how about that?), so they're not considered the "same" by any means.

If you think it's just marketing, and it helps you sleep at night, then continue using a degreaser in place of a tire cleaner. I wouldn't recommend using it on expensive summer tires (think Michelin Pilot Sport or Bridgestone Potenza) as it can do more harm than good.
 
It depends on what you are doing in all honesty. An APC works well. A dedicated tire cleaner works quicker. If you are only doing your own vehicle and have the money to spend on a dedicated tire cleaner it wont disappoint. If you are a detailer the cost of tire cleaner for your run of the mill detail does not make much sense when APC works good and can do multiple things not just tires.
 
Nick@Autogeek said:
Degreasers and tire cleaners do have some commonalities from a chemistry standpoint, however there are several differences (how about that?), so they're not considered the "same" by any means.

If you think it's just marketing, and it helps you sleep at night, then continue using a degreaser in place of a tire cleaner. I wouldn't recommend using it on expensive summer tires (think Michelin Pilot Sport or Bridgestone Potenza) as it can do more harm than good.
Click to expand...

I've done it on what you call expensive summer tires for years with no ill effects. Remember Nick, I have tire brushes older than you. BTW what would you call Amazing Roll Off? I love that stuff.
 
Rsurfer said:
I've done it on what you call expensive summer tires for years with no ill effects. Remember Nick, I have tire brushes older than you. BTW what would you call Amazing Roll Off? I love that stuff.
Click to expand...

I'm going by personal experience (remember, young eyes), and dozens of customers that I've encountered over the years that have had issues using heavy-duty degreasers on performance tires.

I'm sure you're familiar with the saying...

Find something you like and use it often. :dblthumb2:

Amazing Roll-Off is a very unique product. I would consider it an all purpose cleaner with a little extra something thrown in (only the manufacturers know what that is). It's safe enough to use on vinyl tops, which is a big no-no for degreasers because they will remove the coating on the vinyl, yet it's also strong enough to clean tires. Somehow, it leaves a "rust inhibiting wax-like finish" that resists dirt as well. Amazing Roll-Off has a very loyal following, and for good reason.
 
I use LA's Totally Awesome Degreaser/Cleaner, diluted at roughly 5:1 to clean my tires, engine bay, wheel wells, etc...

r9rnca8vesbj4i9us2ab519a06331b076.jpg


Works really well, and it's only $1 a bottle at the Dollar Store for a 20 oz. spray bottle, or 32 oz refill bottle, at full strength.
 
Interesting debate. Almost as good as the "special coating car soaps", or "dedicated MF cleaning" products.....yeah.
 
IMO one of the good things about APCs is that you can dilute to different strengths. Unlike a dedicated tire cleaner but I think I'll try either some DP or Tuf Shine.
 
SirTanon said:
I use LA's Totally Awesome Degreaser/Cleaner, diluted at roughly 5:1 to clean my tires, engine bay, wheel wells, etc...

r9rnca8vesbj4i9us2ab519a06331b076.jpg


Works really well, and it's only $1 a bottle at the Dollar Store for a 20 oz. spray bottle, or 32 oz refill bottle, at full strength.
Click to expand...

LA Totally Awesome is one of the few cleaners that I can use to get dried blood off the deck of the boat. It's good & dirt cheap.
 
Since I applied Tuf Shine Tire Clearcoat to the tires on my truck I have used nothing more than car shampoo and a wash mitt to clean them. It has been a joy! On uncoated tires I have found nothing better than Mother's Wheel and Tire cleaner. For whatever reason it just works better than the other APC's and tire cleaners on the shelf.
 
Nick@Autogeek said:
Dedicated tire cleaners contain a component that is not found in all purpose cleaners, which is what makes them so effective at deep cleaning tires.

This same component is harmful for surfaces intended to be cleaned with an APC (ie: leather, vinyl, etc), which is why an APC does NOT contain this key ingredient.

If you don't plan on coating your tires, then you can get away with using an APC for routine cleaning, however choose your cleaner wisely as some APCs are caustic and what you think is dirt that's being removed from the tire is actually vital antiozonants and rubber conditioners leaching out from the surface due to the aggressiveness of the cleaner being used.

Keep in mind if you clean your vehicle every weekend, it's not necessary to clean the tires every single time you wash the car, especially if you apply a tire gel/spray on a regular basis. If and when you do use an APC to clean your tires as part of routine maintenance, dilute it 1:10 (or whatever the recommended dilution ratio is for "mild" strength). There's no need to use it full strength.

:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...


I can say Nick you have great track record with me. The Detailers Pro tire cleaner is so good it starts cleaning before you can get a brush up to the tire. Kinda strange i did i video of it today after being so impressed with it. Ended up being able to pass a white glove test :xyxthumbs:
 
To me LA Totally Awesome is one of the APC's that leaches too much of the good stuff out of the tire.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top