Recently, a viral DIY tire shine recipe caught my eye — just glycerin and water. Pure glycerin is a natural, odorless gel that promises a shiny finish, and it’s super affordable. A gallon costs under $27, which breaks down to about 21 cents per ounce. Mixing one part glycerin with three parts water should make a cheap, easy tire shine for under a dollar per bottle. But does it actually work?
The First Attempt: Glycerin + Water
I mixed a 25% glycerin solution by weight and sprayed it on the tires as you would any tire shine. Unfortunately, the glycerin didn’t spread well and just smeared unevenly, even on freshly cleaned tires. It seems the natural hydrophobic surface of rubber prevents the water-based mixture from sticking properly.
DIY Tire Shine 2.0: Adding Dish Soap
To fix this, I added 2% ultra-strength dish soap to break the surface tension and improve spreadability. This new version went on evenly and created a nice shine right after application. The tire looked great and there was a strong contrast to the untreated area.
But How Long Does It Last?
Sadly, the shine began fading after just two hours, especially in smoother tire areas. By the next morning, the coating was blotchy and uneven, making the tire look worse than before. On the bright side, the glycerin formula rinsed off easily with just a hose.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of a cheap, natural tire shine is tempting, this glycerin and water DIY just doesn’t deliver lasting results. The addition of soap helped with application, but the shine vanished quickly — lasting less than a day. Given the effort and short lifespan, I’d say it’s better to stick with commercial tire shines designed for durability.
Thanks for reading! If you want durable tire shine tips and honest product reviews, stay tuned for more.
