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Exhaust Tip Treatment
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. The rim clean task and exhaust tip treatment task can be completed simultaneously with each other.
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.
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).
The time to treat the tailpipes is dependent on the total amount of tailpipes, and the intensity and amount of dirtiness and carbon build-up. Once the exhaust tip treatment is complete, the tailpipes will be left clean, bright, and streak-free.
Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves.
You will require a pressure washer (or a hose and nozzle), and a rotary polisher to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Tailpipes
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 4: Exhaust Tip Treatment
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Directions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Wet the tailpipe(s) and surrounding painted surfaces with water. Ensure areas of application are cool.STEP 2: APPLY AND AGITATE THE RIM CLEANER
Use a spray bottle and an acid resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Spray the rim cleaner of choice onto the tailpipe(s). Ensure to spray at different angles for full rim cleaner coverage. Use a wheel spoke brush to agitate the areas applied with rim cleaner. If heavily soiled, use steel wool to scrub the areas. Ensure to read and follow the maximum dwell time for the rim cleaner of choice. Do not allow rim cleaners to dwell on areas of application past the maximum dwell time, as damage is likely to occur. Do not allow rim cleaners to dry on the surfaces of application.STEP 3: RINSE THE RIM CLEANER
Use a high-pressure washer to rinse the area thoroughly. Hold the pressure washer spray nozzle 20 to 30 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) from the tailpipe surface. Rinse at various angles to reach all areas, and ensure to rinse the surrounding painted surfaces.STEP 4: APPLY THE COMPOUND
For extremely soiled areas, use a compound to remove excess carbon. Spread SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND evenly over either a cone (used with a rotary polisher) or an applicator pad (used by hand). If using a cone, with steady pressure work over the surface with a rotary polisher at 800 to 3,000 RPM until the carbon is removed. If using a microfiber towel to apply the compound by hand, apply pressure on the surface using a circular motion, until the carbon is removed.STEP 5: WIPE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Remove residue using a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth.STEP 6: REVIEW YOUR WORK
Review work, and, if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 4 to 5.Tips
- Always rinse tailpipes and surrounding painted surfaces with cool water before applying a rim cleaner. Rinsing with cool water is a proactive measure to minimize the effect of rim cleaner overspray (spotting on painted surfaces), and chemical reactions due to rim cleaner temperature sensitivities.
- Do not allow rim cleaners to dwell on areas of application past maximum dwell time, as damage is likely to occur. Do not allow rim cleaners to dry on surfaces of application. Read and follow the maximum dwell time for the rim cleaner of choice.
- When completing an exterior wash, use a neutralizing wash soap to remove possible traces of acid remaining on the tailpipes and surrounding areas.
- Use a compound for extremely soiled areas.
- The method of applying the compound is dependent on the equipment you have available, and the space around the tailpipe.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
There are currently three (3) Auto Valet rim cleaners available.
- 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.
- RIM CLEANER: a powerful, well-rounded OEM approved rim cleaner. Works well for overall applications.
- 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.