A shiny car is a cosmetic concern for the owners and we work hard to ensure our cars are as clean outside, but unfortunately exhaust tips take on dirt more than anyone knows. Overlook these essentials and paintwork loses its impact, but performance could also suffer. But fear not, because cleaning your car’s exhaust tips shouldn’t take more than a few minutes with some basic tools and elbow grease. Restoring your exhaust tips to their former shine is easily done, make sure your car looks as good on the outside as it does under that hood with our step by step guide.
Tools and Materials Needed
Tools and materials you will need:
1. Microfiber Cloths
- You cannot do any major or minor cleaning without these microfiber cloths. They are gentle and not abrasive so will be perfect for more sensitive metal surfaces like exhaust tips. Use cloths which are intended for the automotive, to make sure it won’t scratch your metal.
2. Soft Bristle Brush
- Exhaust TipsOnce the exhaust area has been cleaned, you can use a soft bristle brush to break up dirt and grime within the interior of your tip(s) if necessary. Bristles: Go for some type of synthetic bristle that is relatively gentle on metal surfaces. This tool will help you get to areas that are harder for the cloths alone.
3. Metal Polish or Cleaner
- Choose an exhaust tip cleaner or metal polish These are basically designed to work on oxidation, road grime and contaminants. Others also protect your upholstery, stopping dust from sticking to the water and allowing you a longer deploy cleaning.
4. Rubber Gloves
- To keep your hands safe from the chemicals that can be found in metal cleaners and polishes, a good pair of rubber gloves is essential. Opt for long-lasting smooth gloves that fit your hands properly and provide a good grip so that you can comfortably clean the meat with ease.
5. Water and Mild Soap Solution
- Make a concoction of mild soap and water for the first cleaning. This takes off surface dirt and grime before you start using the metal cleaner or polish. Wipe the exhaust tips gently with a clean microfiber cloth soaked in this solution.
6. Old Newspapers or Rags
- During the cleaning process, cover up areas that may get wrought with splashes of wet cement and rows let some old newspapers or rags on the floor. Place some under the exhaust tips, and along a bumper to get any runoff from all those cleaning products.
7. Protective Sealant (Optional)
- For additional protection and an extended gloss life, apply a metal surface sealer or protector. An optional step, and probably unnecessary for someone who will clean their chains reasonably often… but it could extend the time between cleans further by putting a barrier against dirt/grime.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Here is how to clean your car exhaust tips properly step-wise.
1. Preparation
- Avoid Fumes: Park your car in a spacious area so as not to inhale the fumes.
- Cool Exhaust Tips: The exhaust tips should be cool to the touch before you begin or else they can burn your skin.
2. Initial Cleaning
- Soap and Water Solution: Soak a microfiber cloth in the water or soap mixture. Wipe down the exhaust tips using a gentle cleaner to remove any dirt and debris. Focus on edges and corners where dirt collects.
3. Metal cleaner or polish
- Additional Process: Put it on Metal Cleaner or Polish, assuming the priduct instructions said so apply a little of metal cleaner/polish to exhaust tips. Apply the product evenly using a clean microfiber cloth or applicator pad for metal surfaces. If you work in smaller areas, the closer application of paint will cover better than an open area.
4. Scrubbing
- Soft Bristle Brush: Scrub the cleaner or polish into the metal surface using a soft bristle brush. Concentrate on trouble spots that always seem to fall victim to incredibly stubborn dirt or oxidation build-up. Make sure that you do not press too hard or it will leave a scratch.
5. Polishing
- Use Microfiber Cloth to Buff: After the cleaner or polish has been applied and scrubbed, buff out the exhaust tips with a new microfiber cloth. Gently apply little pressure in a circular buffing motion for the best shine.
6. Final Touches
- Check and Cover: Save the exhaust tips for last to make sure no spots or streaks were missed. Deploy more polish or cleaner until you get a uniform gleam and cleanliness.
7. Protection
- Step 11 (optional): (for as long-lasting a finish) Apply Metal Sealant or Wax: if you want your exhaust tips to stay shiny and repel dirty, then consider using an appropriate metal sealant/wax for the exhaust tip. Apply the products according to their instructions-buffing required.
Maintenance Tips
Here is how you can keep your car exhaust tips in top shape and working perfectly:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Add Routine Cleaning: Be sure to routinely clean your exhaust tips every 1-2 months, or more often as needed. Regular cleaning protects from the stiffer deposits and preserves shining of your tips.
2. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
- Opt for Gentle Cleaners: Warm water, mild soap and special metal cleaners. Avoid anything with harsh chemicals or abrasive properties that can scratch the surface of metal.
3. Immediate Cleanup
- Clean Up: When corrosive substances, such as road salts or bird droppings get onto the metal quickly wash and dry to avoid etching into the metal.
4. Inspect After Cleaning
- Inspect for Damage: Once your tips are shiney and clean, give them a once-over to make sure they’re still in stellar condition–not too corroded or heavily damaged. Should tackle immediately, or Problems may exacerbate. (Imperative)
5. Apply Protective Coating
- Utilize Sealants: After cleaning, you can protect the longevity and shine of your exhaust tips by applying a sealant or wax. Follow with recommended product application.
6. Monitor Performance
- Keep an Ear out for Changes: Closely monitor the exhaust sound or performance changes because they perhaps mean hidden things which might affect directly to your car´s exhaust system.
Conclusion
This tutorial is your step-by-step guide on how to properly clean and maintain the exhaust tips of your vehicle, so they continue being a reflection that you are taking good care or at least try hard maintaining it overall. Investing in regular care keep up the good looks of your exhaust and, more importantly does much to prevent it rusting through. As they say, a clean car is a happy car.
