Can you imagine having to spend hours cleaning your car exhaust pipe every time you start your vehicle? Exhaust tips are prone to dirt and grime over the time. Thanks to the black deposits due to unburned fuel, the unburned hydrocarbons makes the tailpipe dirty, leading to visible dirty exhaust tips.
Best Sounding Exhausts for F-150 are extremely popular. They are designed to filter harmful pollutants from the air that enters into your vehicle. However, clogged filter need to be cleaned regularly to get maintain the vehicle’s performance. You don’t have to pay a professional to clean your exhaust system. There are plenty of DIY ways to clean your exhaust pipes without spending a fortune.
Here are four methods that you can try out at home:
1. Use a toothbrush and water.
This method works best for small areas on the exhaust tips. Take a brush and remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a spray bottle filled with warm water to rinse it off. Don’t forget to dry the entire exhaust tip after this process. You may also want to invest in a quality-made brush that has soft bristles.
2. Brush with baking soda.
Baking soda is inexpensive and comes in handy when you need to clean up a small mess. Simply mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Mix well until all the powder dissolves. Pour this mixture onto your exhaust tip and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wash away the residue using a hose or pressure washer.
3. Use vinegar.
Vinegar is another affordable option that will work wonders on your exhaust tips. All you need to do is fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and then pour it onto the exhaust tip. Rinse off using the hot water after 10 minutes.
4. Use steel wool for very dirty exhaust with black or matte finish
Steel wool is an effective way to remove that lot of carbon buildup without applying much pressure, Excessive pressure to remove the carbon disposition leads to scratches. Especially, if your exhaust tips come with a chrome finish, avoid using harsh chemicals like vinegar or baking soda as they may damage the Chrome finish. So always consider what cat back exhaust system you are using before finalizing the cleaning method.
Use automotive-grade 0000 steel wool to spray on these exhaust pipes. These are the mild abrasive that is effective in cleaning the buildup. If the exhaust pipes are very dirty, considering the steel wool for cleaning is a good idea.
The role of Metal Polish
According to Moparmax.com, metal polish is a great resort to remove any faint scratches after cleaning with steel wool or any other harsh chemical. In case, the exhaust tips are black or matte painted, avoid using the abrasive. Remember that the metal polish is specifically meant for stainless steel or chrome.
How to protect your exhaust tips?
Wheel sealant are made to protect your exhaust tips in longer run. You need to polish the exhaust tips time to time but this will ensure an added layer of protection that keeps your exhaust tips safe in longer run.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Q. How often should I clean my exhaust tips?
- It depends on how dirty your exhaust tips are. If you drive in a city where there are lots of dust particles, you should clean them every week. However, if you live in a place where there aren’t many dust particles, you should only clean them once a month.
Q. Can I use soap instead of water to clean my exhaust tips? Should I use a wire brush?
- Yes, you can use soap instead of water. The ideal soap solution stands for water (95%) and soap (5%). Wire brushes are hard and can scratch the surface of your exhaust tips. Especially, if you have installed cat-back exhaust for aesthetic purposes, you may end up scratching the black matte finish
Q. What kind of brushes should I use to clean my exhaust tips?
- For best results, you can use a soft bristle brush. This type of brush has softer bristles than the stiffer ones. They are also better at removing dirt from the exhaust tips without scratching it off. For stubborn grease and carbon, consider steel wood.
Q. Do I need to use special tools to clean my exhaust tips?
- No, you don’t need any special tool to clean your exhaust tips. Just follow the steps mentioned above.
Q: How long does it take to clean my exhaust tips?
A: It takes around 5-10 mins to clean your exhaust tips depending on their condition.
Conclusion
Exhaust tips play a vital role in improving engine performance and maintaining vehicle aesthetics. Hence, you should clean them periodically to avoid diminished vehicle performance.
