A grey, dried-out tyre looks neglected even when the rest of the car is spotless. Tyre cleaner draws old dressing, oxidation and road grime out of the rubber. After that you apply a dressing that conditions the rubber and brings the colour back, matt or glossy, that is a matter of preference.

The difference between a good and a bad dressing shows up after the first drive. Cheap products fling off or splatter on the wheel arch. A quality dressing absorbs into the rubber, stays put and gives an even result without patches or tide marks.