Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus - New Formula Review

[Angus]

For this review, I'm going to share my observations applying the newly reformulated Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1384-uttg.jpg

From AG's product page for Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus:

"New formula is thicker, easier to apply, and it lasts longer!

Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus is a new polymer coating that can be applied to most flexible surfaces (vinyl and rubber) and hard surfaces (plastic and metal) to coat, seal, protect and beautify. No ordinary “dressing” lasts as long or protects as well against pollution, ultra violet light (sun), road salts, harmful ozone, creosote and more."
Prior to applying UTTG+ my tires were thoroughly cleaned with Tuff Shine Tire Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/tuf-shine-tire-cleaner.html) to remove all traces of prior tire dressings and typical day-to-day grime.

UTTG+'s instructions seem simple enough, it even comes with it's own applicator.

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1385-instruct.jpg

Clean tires: check. Completely dry: check. Shake bottle, apply small amount to foam applicator: check and check:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1370-photo-4.jpg

Right off the bat UTTG+ looks thick but it is also surprisingly runny having quickly dripped onto my hand in a matter of moments. UTTG+ smells like a combination of sealant and rubber.

While applying I'm having a hard time getting the tires evenly coated. UTTG doesn't easily spread using the foam applicator and seems to be getting caught in the tires textured surfaces:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1372-application.jpg

Ok tires are coated, now per instructions its time to wait for UTTG to dry w/o buffing. 30 or so minutes later I discover UTTG+ dried unevenly errr!

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1374-uneven2.jpg

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1375-uneven.jpg

Based on application I'm not entirely surprised by the results. Time to ditch the foam applicator and try UTTG+ again with my go-to tire brush:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1381-brush.jpg
(Carrand Brush & Shine Tire Dressing Applicators - 2 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/carrand-tire-dressing-brush.html))

This time, UTTG+ spreads evenly across the tires textured surfaces:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1377-photo-1.jpg

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1378-photo-2.jpg

By applying a second coat of UTTG+ I've been able to even out the tires appearance, but while doing so I've also ended up with a glossier tire then I prefer.

Additional impressions: Until now my tire dressing of choice has been Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel. However, I prefer how quickly UTTG dries and had the initial application of UTTG+ been with the Carrand brush I would have ended up with the perfect low-gloss result.

Conclusion: On smooth trim surfaces, the UTTG+ applicator sponge is perfect. But on tires, reach for a brush style applicator instead. Long term durability is yet to be confirmed however I'm planning on updating this thread with observations over the coming months.

An hour or so after the second application of UTTG+ a light rain shower passed by. And as claimed, UTTG+ appears unfazed:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-uttg-picture1379-rain.jpg

Hope this review was helpful!

[jamesboyy]

Excellent review great job giving out pointer too this will sure help many for years to come

[Dr_Pain]

:dblthumb2: Thanks for the review!!

[cleanmycorolla]

Hey! Excellent review, so basically with all these reviews lately, you're saying your wallet has taken a hit! :)

I am eager to try this new formula, thanks for the review!

[Angus]

Excellent review great job giving out pointer too this will sure help many for years to come

Thank you! My goal is always try and provide both helpful product information as well as application trial and error tips.


:dblthumb2: Thanks for the review!!

Thank you, Sir!


Hey! Excellent review, so basically with all these reviews lately, you're saying your wallet has taken a hit! :)

I am eager to try this new formula, thanks for the review!

Hahaha, yeah you could say that! Or as my wife says.. :nomore:

[MarkD51]

I have the older formula, and like it, but didn't like it on a brand new set of Hankook Tires I once tried it on. I was seeing black, meaning rubber coming off, but as others said, this wasn't rubber. I disagree, I know what rubber looks like coming off on a towel, and/or applicator.

As I understand it, the old formula was Solvent Based, this new formula is Water Based, correct? The solvent based formula explains now why I saw rubber.

Maybe this wasn't happening with other's tires, but it was happening on my Hankooks.
Mark

[Pats300zx]

Great review. Got some on the way. I can't wait to compare to the old version that I have been using for years.

[Angus]

I have the older formula, and like it, but didn't like it on a brand new set of Hankook Tires I once tried it on. I was seeing black, meaning rubber coming off, but as others said, this wasn't rubber. I disagree, I know what rubber looks like coming off on a towel, and/or applicator.

As I understand it, the old formula was Solvent Based, this new formula is Water Based, correct? The solvent based formula explains now why I saw rubber.

Maybe this wasn't happening with other's tires, but it was happening on my Hankooks.
Mark

Yes, that's correct the new and improved formula is water based. As you may have noticed, I also applied UTTG+ to Hankooks but did not experience any black residue coming off. These tires are at least 2-3 years old.

[Angus]

Great review. Got some on the way. I can't wait to compare to the old version that I have been using for years.

Thank you! I'm looking forward to reading your comparison between old vs new formulas!!

[swexlin]

So this is good for black trim, and vinyl decals? I ask, because the only thing that seems to work on the faded trim on my 07 Superbee is Adam's Super VRT. Nothing else I've used seems to last (I really only do it when getting ready for a show). Thank you.

[ScottB]

looks good ...

[Angus]

So this is good for black trim, and vinyl decals? I ask, because the only thing that seems to work on the faded trim on my 07 Superbee is Adam's Super VRT. Nothing else I've used seems to last (I really only do it when getting ready for a show). Thank you.

Swelin, to answer your question, I applied UTTG+ tonight to my DD's very faded trim:

Before (prepped first with DP's Cleanse-All):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4526

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=4527

So yes, UTTG+ will darken trim. However it doesn't completely hide underlying imperfections. As far as vinyl decals go, I can't say for sure since I don't have them.

If it helps, shoot me a PM next time your headed to WC's C&C, I'll swing by, and we can do a test spot on your Superbee's decal.