For motorists who own a sports car or truck, many have experienced a filthy exhaust tip at some point in their lives. This experience is no different from other aftermarket exhaust or black exhaust tips, as these materials also turn a cloudy gray to dark black color when exposed to flames. The black soot present occurs from engine combustion, which means motorists should clean both their engines and exhaust tips regularly for best results.
Here is a step-by-step guide car owners can follow to keep their exhaust tips clean and shiny every time:
#1 Clean With Soap and Water
Start by cleaning your exhaust tips with soap and water to remove any sticky substance around. It’s important to use a bucket that’s tailor-made for cleaning wheels only, as some stains can be tough to come out if a person chooses to use a home bucket. Wipe the inside of the tips with a microfiber towel to ward off any brake dust, carbon deposit, or dirt present. Be easy as you wipe around this area and be careful not to scrub your vehicle’s paint with any brush or rug that contains any of this black soot. Also be careful not to mess your clothes, hands, or driveway throughout this entire process.
After all the initial grime and dirt has come out, you may even use a degreaser and tire brush to wipe the inside of your pipes. And subsequently rinse with clean water to remove any soap foam and other unwanted materials from around the area. Before you jump to the next stage, make sure to also dry the area with a towel. Your pipes may appear a little cloudy due to oxidation, but this shouldn’t worry you in any way. A little light metal polish could do the trick and also help restore the shine of your pipes back to their former glory.
#2 Use Automotive Steel Wool
Automotive-grade steel wools are a fantastic way to further break down any brake dust and water spots on the exhaust tips. If you notice a lot of scratches or carbon buildup, scrub the area gently with an automotive-grade 000 or 0000 steel wool after spraying the pipes with a degreaser. Most metal polishes could work great for the removal of light scratches or buildup. However, for tips that are very dirty and that have never been polished before, starting with steel would be your best bet.
#3 Apply Some Metal Polish
Every time you use something more aggressive like steel wool, it’s crucial to follow up with a metal polish to get rid of any conspicuous light scratches you may have left behind after scrubbing with steel wool earlier. You shouldn’t use metal polish or abrasives intended for stainless steel or chrome to scrub black exhaust tips. Always use water, soap, and a degreaser and avoid using brushes or any other material that could scratch a matte or black finish.
Most metal polishes can be used on vehicles, boats, motorcycles, or other metal surfaces and are effective in clearing any brake dust, carbon deposit, or dirt present. As a consequence, your exhaust tips get an aesthetically appealing smooth shine and also appear like they are brand new every time.
#4 Protect Your Exhaust Tips
Although optional, a wheel sealant is a great way to keep your exhaust tips in great shape and functioning properly for a long time. Polishing these items on a regular basis is just as important as adding an extra layer of protection to your exhaust tips. Make sure to find a dedicated sealant specifically tailored for metals that may help minimize the level of buildup over time. If your exhaust tips are damaged beyond the point of restoration, it’s a good idea to always replace them with a new as your demands change.
Conclusion
There’s nothing that brightens up your vehicle’s exterior look quite like a set of exhaust tips. Available in different sizes and configurations, everybody can find a tip that suits their style. Most tips are very attractive and easy to install, depending on how you want them to transform the sleek look of your car. Moreover, many also come with reliable warranties so at least you know your tips will more likely stay in good shape for many years.
Once you’ve chosen a new black exhaust tip for your car, you’ll want to make sure you know how to clean it the right way. Keeping your tips will not only help add some extra style to the rear of your ride, but it will also improve the sound of your exhaust to a whole new level. Hopefully, the tips shared in this guide will help every motorist start to clean their exhaust tips properly and keep them looking good for years to come.
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