Tailpipes (exhaust tips) are susceptible to carbon build-up, further to the typical dirt and grime accumulated. Carbon is emitted from engines’ internal combustion and is solidified and baked onto the tailpipes due to the heat generated, leaving a black ring around the edge. To remove the carbon, begin with a rim cleaner such as BRILLIANT, FLAME, or RIM CLEANER. Use steel wool to agitate the cleaner, by hand. Follow with SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND, either by hand or using a rim cone on a rotary polisher, depending on the space available around the tailpipe(s).

1. BRILLIANT: a robust and highly effective rim cleaner, that is non-corrosive, low odour, and biodegradable. Works well for overall applications and for removing rim yellowing.
2. RIM CLEANER: a powerful, well-rounded OEM approved rim cleaner. Works well for overall applications.
3. FLAME: An aggressive acid-based rim cleaner that delivers for the toughest applications. Emits a strong acidic odour.

Yes. All of Auto Valet’s rim cleaners are body shop safe. This includes BRILLIANT, FLAME, and RIM CLEANER.

Rim cleaners are formulated to be acidic as brake dust that attaches itself to wheel rims during the braking process, contains metallic particles. These metallic particles are more soluble in acidic solutions than alkali based cleaners. Surfactants used in rim cleaners are especially selected to remove iron oxide (rust), grease, lubricants and old residual tire dressings. The rim cleaner BRILLIANT is formulated to retain its acidity but is not corrosive to human skin, unlike other rim cleaners that are corrosive.

Similar to cleaning rims, tailpipes require a specific acid solution (rim cleaners) to solubilize and remove carbon. Rim cleaners are effective on tailpipes that are light to medium coated with carbon. If tailpipes are heavily coated, use a compound to remove the baked-on carbon.