Alright, buckle up folks, because I’m about to walk you through my little project of putting red tires on my car. Yeah, you heard that right – red tires. I know, I know, it sounds a bit out there, but trust me, it’s gonna be cool (hopefully!).
So, it all started a few weeks ago. I was browsing online, just killing time, and I stumbled upon a picture of a car with bright red tires. I was like, “Whoa! That’s…different.” And then the idea burrowed into my brain and wouldn’t let go. I just had to see what it would look like on my own ride.
First thing’s first: research. I spent a good chunk of time online trying to figure out if this was even possible, if it was legal, and if it would completely destroy my car. Turns out, you can’t just buy tires that are manufactured red (at least not easily, or cheaply). But! There are these things called tire paints and dyes. They’re specially formulated to stick to rubber and flex without cracking. Okay, we’re getting somewhere!
Next up, materials. I found a highly-rated tire paint kit online – a vibrant red, of course. It came with a cleaner, the paint itself, some applicator sponges, and gloves. I also grabbed some masking tape and newspaper to protect my rims and the surrounding areas.
Then came the prep work. This was probably the most tedious part. I started by giving my car a good wash, paying extra attention to the tires. They needed to be spotless for the paint to adhere properly. After washing, I used the cleaner that came with the kit and scrubbed each tire like my life depended on it. Once they were dry, I started masking off the rims with tape and newspaper. This took forever! Getting the edges just right was a real pain.
Finally, it was painting time! I followed the instructions on the paint kit, applying thin, even coats. The first coat looked…rough. It was streaky and uneven. I started to panic a little, but I reminded myself that the instructions said multiple coats were needed. After the second coat, things were looking much better. I ended up doing four coats in total, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.
After the last coat was dry, I carefully peeled off the masking tape. And…drumroll please…they looked AMAZING! The red was so vibrant and eye-catching. It completely transformed the look of my car. I stepped back and admired my work. I felt like a true car customizer!
But, here’s the kicker: The first time I drove the car after the paint job, I was so nervous! I kept checking the tires in my rearview mirror, worried the paint would start peeling off. Thankfully, it held up perfectly. I’ve been driving with my red tires for a few weeks now, and they still look great. I’ve gotten so many compliments and questions about them. It’s been a fun conversation starter, that’s for sure.
Lessons Learned:
- Prep work is KEY. Seriously, don’t skip any steps.
- Thin coats are better than thick coats. Patience is a virtue!
- Don’t be afraid to try something different. It might just turn out awesome.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! It was a fun and relatively inexpensive way to personalize my car and make it stand out from the crowd. Plus, I learned a few new things along the way. Now, I’m thinking about what color to do next… Maybe blue? Or green? The possibilities are endless!
Update after One Month
So, one month update on my red tires. They are still red! No serious fading. I do see a little cracking in the paint if you are up close and personal, but from a normal distance, they still look great. I think this is one of those things that you will need to touch up maybe every 6 months depending on your driving. But still worth it!
