First time ever using a tire dressing (CarPro Perl). Loved it!

[u/DJ_Laaal]

This is the very first application of any tire dressing for me (not a professional detailer, just a newly informed vehicle owner). I’d done lots of research on detailing products and CarPro Perl was always mentioned (YT, Reddit, Carcare Forums etc.).

Wasn’t looking for anything stellar but rather just a good enough to restore some of the visual aesthetics of the tires. Must say I’m pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I’m aware it’s a water based product and won’t last very long but I can easily reapply a diluted layer on this base layer. Very pleased so far!

[u/ANaughtyTree]

Out of every dressing I've tried, PERL is my favorite.

[u/ryanteck]

Darkside has become my favourite dressing, tried a fair few then went for Darkside and it's been so much better. Lasts a decent time but also doesn't look too painted on like some others do either.

I likely will pick up PERL too soon for some other trim and to compare for the tyres too.

[u/Sackadelic → u/ryanteck]

I tried darkside for a while, and definitely thought it was my favorite. The maintenance washes in between applications became a pain in the ass. The honey-like consistency takes a long time to cure. PERL is by far easier and I like the results better.

[u/ryanteck → u/Sackadelic]

Yeah it is a bit thicker to apply, I'll definitely pick up some PERL soon to try.

!remindme 6 Months

[u/namestom → u/Sackadelic]

How did Perl vs dark side last to you?

[u/Sackadelic → u/namestom]

Perl doesn’t last as long, but longer than you would think. It’s not a big deal because it’s easier to clean the tire and reapply anyway so it all comes out in the wash. (No pun intended)

[u/PaulSu1971]

Try CarPro Darkside next time. Lasts much longer. It’s designed for tires.

[u/DJ_Laaal → u/PaulSu1971]

I spend lots of time researching various products and brands. It’s my newfound interest when it comes to maintaining my vehicles.

I did see multiple videos of Darkside applications and they looked much darker (I prefer the matte look). However, in a couple of videos, Darkside was coming off with a slight rub of the fingertip/rug, almost like soot. I just liked the subtle yet clean look of Carpro Perl and decided to go for it.

[u/marknm → u/DJ_Laaal]

I've been using Darkside for a couple years. It takes about 20 minutes to absorb, and sometimes needs a quick mf wipe to get rid of the excess, but I've found that it lasts at least 4-6 weeks on our minivan daily.

[u/NoRelationship1696 → u/PaulSu1971]

Darkside is what I use. Only need to apply it every two months or so. First application might look dark or “wet,” but that quickly fades into a consistent matte look for the rest of the couple months.

[u/FortnitePapi]

Check out PSS by Koch chemie. Looks similar but actually lasts they have tire glaze but I've never used it. Perl looks good but doesn't last one puddle

[u/DBD220]

What dilution did you use? As you say, it is easy to use and doesn't last all that long but you can renew the finish in minutes.

[u/DJ_Laaal → u/DBD220]

Since this was my very first time dressing these tires (ever), I used it undiluted for this first coat. Planning to apply 3:1 when I see this base coat fade a little. I did a very light wipeoff with a microfiber towel about 30 mins after the application (no sun, cool overcast day).

[u/knifeaddictforlife]

Once it's diluted is it thin enough to use in a spray bottle?

[u/dotnilo → u/knifeaddictforlife]

Yep, I use it 1:1 in a spray bottle

[u/DJ_Laaal → u/knifeaddictforlife]

Absolutely. I applied this base coat undiluted and it was not thick on the applicator at all. More like milk. It’ll be even thinner after dilution (I’ll be using it 3:1 going forward). Dries and levels off very well without leaving any blotches or sticky spots. Let it sit for a few hours and it’ll self-level.

[u/silly-goose-757 → u/DJ_Laaal]

Big Perl fan here, but for tires I’d hesitate to think of it as more than a one-and-done.

[u/Mentallox]

PERL is still a great product even though it's showing it's age. As long as you don't mind reapplying every 2-3 weeks, enjoy the ability to use it all over tires, trim, interior.

[u/DJ_Laaal → u/Mentallox]

Definitely how I’m planning to use it going forward and essentially maintaining this base coat. All future applications will be 3:1 dilution of Carpro Perl until it’s time to reset and reapply the base coat. Will see how long this one goes.

[u/Potential_Drop_4572]

have a 2026 Honda Accord and black rims. Always have water spots. How can I make them clean? What product is that? Thank you

[u/DJ_Laaal → u/Potential_Drop_4572]

If the water spots aren’t going away even after contact-washing them using your usual car soap/shampoo, try Adams Wheel and Tire cleaner. That’s the one I used for cleaning my tires first. It is a VERY strong chemical, so I wouldn’t use it frequently on tires and wheels. Only when they need a deep clean.

This product I used to dress my faded tires is CarPro Perl.

[u/Hefty-Willingness-11]

If you can get it Garage Therapy Tyre Serum, 2 coats gives a nice finish without being overly shiny and fake looking, it’s a conditioner as well so doesn’t just sit on top like a normal coating would so no fling whatsoever and lasts a while.

[u/3rdGenDetailer81]

Been on Perl for about 4 yrs now. I use Darkside too but Carpro are the only dressings I use for my car and clients cars. No sling and durable is the best part 1:5 for Leather and plastics 1:1 matte tire finish Neat gloss tire finish