Armor All
ActiveOverview
Armor All is an American brand of car care products offering sprays, gels, liquids, and wipes to clean, shine, and protect interior and exterior automobile surfaces.12 It originated with a protectant formula for rubber, plastic, and vinyl and has expanded to include air fresheners, disinfectants, restorers, and wipes, available in over 20 countries.2
History
Armor All began in 1962 when polymer chemist Joe Palcher developed a formula to protect rubber, plastic, and vinyl from UV radiation and ozone, initially sold as Tri-don in 1966.2 In 1972, car enthusiast Alan Rypinski acquired the company and renamed the product Armor All Protectant.23 The brand expanded its product lines in the 1990s with items like Tire Foam Protectant and wheel cleaners, and entered international markets.3
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Armor All Protectant (interior/exterior protectant) | UV and ozone protection for vehicle surfaces | $5 - $15 |
| Armor All Tire Foam Protectant | Tire cleaning and protection foam | $6 - $12 |
| Armor All Car Wash | Concentrated vehicle wash solution | $4 - $10 |
| Armor All QuickSilver Wheel Cleaner | Wheel cleaning spray | $7 - $14 |
| Armor All Air Fresheners | Vehicle odor eliminators | $3 - $8 |
| Armor All Wipes | Pre-moistened cleaning wipes | $4 - $10 |
Manufacturing
Armor All products are manufactured by Armored AutoGroup, based in Danbury, Connecticut, United States.1
Notable Products
- Armor All Protectant - Original formula protects rubber, plastic, and vinyl from UV and ozone damage.
- Armor All Tire Foam Protectant - Foam cleaner designed for tire cleaning and protection.
- Armor All QuickSilver Wheel Cleaner - Spray cleaner for wheels complementing car wash products.
- Armor All Car Wash - Concentrate for washing vehicle exteriors.
- Armor All Extreme Tire Shine - Product for enhancing tire appearance (part of tire care line).
Reputation
Armor All is recognized as a leading brand in car care with strong name recognition from its original protectant.3 Enthusiasts and professionals value its wide availability and range of products for basic cleaning and protection.12 Some criticisms in detailing communities note it may attract dust or provide shorter-lasting shine compared to premium alternatives, though it remains popular for everyday use.