How to Clean Your Car’s Exhaust Tips

Your vehicle’s exhaust system plays a major role in engine performance, helping it run smoothly and safely. Because the system’s pipes transport harmful fumes away from the engine and the cabin, it is crucial that they are clean and cleared. Clean exhaust tips also help reduce emissions and noise, so you’ll enjoy a quieter ride – and Mother Nature will benefit too! 

Here at our trusted Dodge dealership in Manning, our service technicians have provided some helpful information about maintaining your exhaust system. Read on to learn more about cleaning exhaust tips at home, or stop by and let Santee Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM handle it for you!

Why Is Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Exhaust Important?

Cleaning exhaust tips is a part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance – one that’s crucial for maintaining your health and your vehicle’s! Combustion sends carbon and other particulates through the exhaust pipes, depositing it on the exhaust tips. Adventure-ready vehicles, like Jeep SUVs and RAM trucks, have high-performance exhaust systems that create a significant amount of carbon. It doesn’t take long to build up, so you may notice a black ring around the exhaust tip, also known as the muffler tip.

But the carbon’s impact isn’t purely aesthetic. Once you park your vehicle, the water vapor inside your tail pipe will condense – and eventually, your pipes will rust. Rust is also a concern in harsher climates where salt on winter roads comes into contact with your exhaust pipes. Plus, it can be dangerous if the engine’s fumes are unable to escape.

How to Effectively Clean Your Exhaust Tips

Cleaning your exhaust system is simple and can be done at home. Just gather a few supplies – and a little patience – and you’ll be done in just 15 or 20 minutes! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gloves
• No-scratch cleaning brushes or sponges and/or rags 
• A strong cleaning agent (one that will remove carbon dioxide residue)
• Metal polish (optional)

Note: We do not recommend only using water to clean your exhaust tips. Stubborn residue often requires a stronger cleaning solution, like a polishing soap, degreaser, or all-purpose cleaner. Remember that polishing soap has abrasive materials so use it with care.

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Remove the surface layer of dirt and dust with water.
2. Put on gloves and make sure chemicals do not come in contact with your eyes or skin.
3. Use the liquid cleaner of choice. (Tip: Follow instructions to find out if you should wash it off immediately or wait a few minutes.)
4. Wash your exhaust tips with a scratch-free brush or sponge, or use a clean rag instead. If residue is especially hard to remove, try a fine steel wool. 
5. Rinse with water to wash away removed residue. 
6. Dry the exhaust tips completely with a clean towel.
7. If you’d like, apply a metal polish to restore your chrome or stainless-steel exhaust tips’ shine. Let the polish sit for a few minutes before removing it.  

Your Dream Car Awaits in Manning, SC! 

To learn more about cleaning the parts of your exhaust system, or just maintaining your vehicle in general, feel free to get in touch! Our certified service techs are happy to help.

We also offer an incredible inventory of new vehicles, including all your favorite Jeep, RAM, and Dodge models – like the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, Gladiator, and Cherokee, the 2022 RAM 1500, and the 2022 Dodge Challenger and Charger. Not in the market for a new vehicle? Check out our budget-friendly used car inventory.  

If you don’t see your dream car on our lot, don’t settle! Ask a member of our team about placing an order! Here at our RAM dealership near you, we know vehicles are hard to come by these days. That’s why our team is dedicated to putting you behind the wheel of the perfect ride!

We are located in Manning, SC – near Florence and Sumter! Our team is proud to serve South Carolina drivers throughout Sumter County and beyond, so come see us today! 

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