Armor All Original Protectant was the very first dressing I used as a teenager growing up. My auto shop teacher introduced this product to me back in the early 80s.
To him, the only thing better than Armor All, was more Armor All. He would have me apply it to his tires (back then we only had one choice in the Armor All products) after I was done washing his Chevy El Camino.
Despite how well this product would shine up the tires as well as interior parts, the stories of Armor All cracking your dash was also just as popular.
Of course I always wondered if this was in fact truth or simply speculation. Who doesnt love a good rumor to help spread around to make you appear like some kind of insider with covert intel!
Yes. Armor All® Multi-Purpose Auto Cleaner is an ideal product for many automotive cleaning needs, including soft vinyl. Used regularly, this product can help keep your car clean and looking like new.
Armor All Original ProtectantSimple decision or informed decision?
If you came here with your mind already made up and was secretly hoping that my Armor All review would simply confirm a decision you were already attached to then you neednt read any further.
Armor All will perform for you in most ways you likely expect. Of course this will largely be based on limited experience on your part, but some people simply want the “simple” choice, not the informed choice.
As a detailing professional I come with decades of experience and I know first hand that you will never find the Armor All Original Protectant part of any professionals arsenal of products.
Which leads me to one of the most commonly asked questions I get from my long term followers:
“Darren, can you just tell me what you would do!”
And for that reason I will do just that.
Armor All Original ProtectantWhat Would Darren Do (WWDD)
- My “go-to” all-purpose dressing fro over 15 years
- Interior and exterior use
- True waterborne technology (none of the greasy, oily, and hyper-shine of other solvent based dressings)
- Body shop safe formulation
- Dries to the touch
- No-sling formulation (when using this as a tire dressing)
- Safe for all interior surfaces you would normally use a dressing on (not intended for infotainment screens/navigation screens/clear plastics gauge covers)
- Restores and protects any exterior black trim
Darrens Tips: I love this product and used it originally as a tire dressing only. I loved the fact that it dries to the touch and creates none of the dreaded tire sling! The level of shine can be controlled by applying additional coats after it is allowed to dry before any new coat is applied.
Since I am not a fan of overly shiny interiors, I resisted using this on any of the interior components like dash boards, door panels, and even coated car leather (virtually all car leather today is coated).
After speaking with the formulator about this product specifically, he informed me that it is not a hyper gloss type of product, so I began to experiment with it. All materials are unique, so regardless of the product you are using, the material you apply it to will in large part determine how any product responds.
This is especially true with car tires since endless types of rubber compounds are used in manufacturer car tires. I have seen many people blame a tire dressing as the problem when it is being applied to low-budget car tire..
Armor All. Why Is it Hated?
FAQ
Can you use Armor All on vinyl?
Can Armor All be used on vinyl siding?
Is Armor All bad for car interior?