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Metal polishing and maintenance (tutorial)
Why do it?
The soot from exhaust gases unfortunately causes chromed tips (tailpipes) to blacken. If they are not cleaned regularly, this soot becomes deeply embedded and in some cases it becomes difficult or even impossible to fully restore them, as the chrome coating is attacked in depth.
Protection using a specific wax for metals makes future cleaning easier.
In which situation(s)?
It is important to take care of your exhaust tips very regularly and not to settle for an annual cleaning. If the car is used daily, cleaning the tailpipes with a mitt and shampoo at each wash is necessary, and a thorough monthly deep clean should be planned.
Step 2: Choice of products to use
Once again, everything will depend on the degree of soiling of the exhaust tips. If they are regularly maintained, a simple shampoo wash with a mitt followed by a wipe with metal polish on a microfiber cloth will be more than sufficient. If the tailpipes are, on the other hand, very dirty, you will need to use steel wool (fine grade) with a strong metal polish to really bring them back to life. In the case of very severe soiling, you may even need to sand with progressively finer grit before using steel wool and metal polish.
- Microfiber cloths: Do not hesitate to use old microfiber cloths for this thankless work. There is no need to heavily soil new ones or to use high-quality microfiber cloths.
- Metal polish: Depending on the level of soiling, use a more or less strong polish. A Chrome from Belgom may be sufficient; otherwise, switch to an Alu. The Heavy Metal Polish from Chemical Guys should be used for more intensive polishing.
- Degreaser: To be diluted 1:4. Allows thorough degreasing before polishing.
- Steel wool #000: Grade generally used for polishing without leaving defects. Use a stronger grade for more severe build-up.
- Metal protection: Use a Metal Wax from Chemical Guys to protect your exhaust tips and facilitate future maintenance. Gives a beautiful shine and leaves a hydrophobic protection.
Step 3: Process
The tutorial above walks you through the different steps of cleaning and polishing chromed exhaust tips. You can do it by hand or by machine if you are able to easily remove the tailpipes.