Cleaning Black Carbon Buildup Off Chrome Exhaust Tips
During combustion, carbon and other particulates are expelled from the engine along with the exhaust gases, with some settling on the exhaust tips. High-performance vehicles typically produce significant amounts of carbon, leading to a rapid buildup that forms a distinctive black ring around the edges of the exhaust tip. This hot, black soot adheres firmly to the metal surface, making it difficult to remove using standard auto shampoo and a wash mitt alone
If the exhaust tips are not cleaned, several issues can arise over time:
Corrosion and Damage: The carbon buildup, combined with moisture and heat, can accelerate the corrosion of the exhaust tip's metal, potentially leading to permanent damage or discoloration.
Reduced Aesthetic Appeal: A layer of black soot diminishes the polished, clean look of the vehicle, which is especially noticeable on high-performance or luxury cars where attention to detail matters.
Longer Cleaning Efforts Later: Leaving the soot to accumulate makes it harder to remove later, often requiring more abrasive cleaning techniques that could scratch or harm the exhaust tips.
Precautions:
When cleaning exhaust tips, here are some precautions to ensure safety and prevent damage:
Avoid Abrasive Tools: Do not use harsh steel wool or household scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the metal surface, ruining the finish.
Use Proper Cleaning Products: Stick to products designed for automotive use, such as metal polish or degreasers, to avoid damaging the tips with harsh household chemicals.
Chrome finish only: We do not recommend using p21s polishing soap or other metal polishes on painted or powder coated exhaust tips. The polish will remove the finish.
Protect Your Hands and Eyes: Wear gloves and safety goggles to shield yourself from chemicals and stubborn debris.
Cool Down the Exhaust: Always ensure the exhaust tips are completely cool before cleaning to prevent burns and products from drying on the surface.
Test on a Small Area First: When using a new cleaner or polish, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the exhaust to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.
Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse off all cleaning products to avoid residue buildup, which can corrode or dull the metal over time.
Taking these precautions will help you clean effectively while protecting both yourself and your vehicle.
How to Clean Exhaust Tips
What You'll Need:
• P21s Polishing Soap
• Wheel cleaner or degreaser
• Wheel brush
• Ultra Fine steel wool
• Metal polish and sealant
• Microfiber towels
• Applicator pads
• Nitrile gloves
Step-By-Step Guide
1) Rinse:
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the exhaust tips to wash away any loose dirt and grime.
2) Prepare the soap:
Open the polishing soap and moisten the sponge with water. Gently rub the sponge into the soap to create a lather before applying it to the surface.
3) Polish the exhaust tip:
Use the sponge and polishing soap to scrub the exhaust tip. There’s no need for a specific technique—simply work the sponge over the metal surface to loosen and remove the black buildup effectively
4) Final Rinse:
Rinse the exhaust tip thoroughly with water to remove all traces of soap. Carefully examine the surface to identify any spots that might need additional scrubbing for a complete clean.
5) Apply Protection:
Using a foam applicator, evenly spread the sealant over the exhaust tip. Follow the product instructions, allowing it to haze for the recommended time. Once hazed, buff off the residue with a microfiber towel for a polished finish.
Applying a metal sealant to the exhaust tip creates a protective layer that prevents carbon buildup and other residue from adhering to the metal surface. This makes cleaning and maintenance significantly easier. Regular reapplication of the sealant is recommended to maintain its effectiveness.
Advanced Tips:
Stubborn Residue: If you’re dealing with heavy buildup and the polishing sponge is not sufficient to clean the metal, upgrade to a fine 000 or 0000 steel wool. Put the polishing soap on the damp steel wool and work the exhaust tip until clean. Once the excessive buildup is cleared, the polishing sponge will be adequate for routine maintenance and keeping the exhaust tips clean.
Increase Cleaning Power: To increase your cleaning power, use a wheel cleaner like OBSSSSD Wheel Cleaner or Nextzett w99 Degreaser to break down the carbon buildup before scrubbing with P21S Polishing Soap.
Enhance the shine: To brighten the metal even further, try a metal polish like P21S Finish Restore metal polish or OBSSSSD Metal Polish. This is an easy-to-use metal polish that you can use to give your exhaust tips a bright, reflective finish.
Prevent buildup: Keeping the tips clean is easier if you apply a metal sealant like OBSSSSD Metal Seal after washing.
Regular maintenance: Incorporating P21S polishing soap into every wash helps minimize carbon buildup on exhaust tips, simplifying regular maintenance and keeping them cleaner for longer.
Auto Obsessed Youtube Videos
In this video, Troy explains how to get the best results with dirty exhaust tips and P21S Polishing Soap.
Where To Buy Exhaust Tip Cleaning Products:
At Auto Obsessed, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle's appearance. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the right products for your exhaust tips and provide professional application services. Contact us today to learn more and give your car the ultimate protection it deserves.
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