Precision Exhaust Tip Restoration and Protection

Ensure the exhaust system is completely cold to the touch. In Australian summer conditions, a vehicle driven 15 minutes ago can still hold 100°C+ at the tips. Attempting to clean a hot exhaust will cause chemicals to flash (evaporate instantly), potentially causing chemical burns to the metal or inhaling toxic fumes.

Pressure wash the tips and the surrounding rear valance. This removes loose grit, red dust, and salt crystals. Removing these particles first is vital to prevent dragging them across the metal surface during the polishing phase, which would cause deep 'pig-tail' scratches.

If your exhaust tips are integrated into a plastic diffuser or painted bumper (common on modern Euros), use automotive masking tape (blue or green) to protect the edges. Metal polish is highly abrasive and will permanently whiten textured plastics or scratch clear coats.

Dilute your APC/Degreaser into a 500ml spray bottle using distilled water if you are in a hard-water area (like Adelaide). Distilled water prevents mineral spotting during the cleaning process, which can be difficult to remove once heat-cycled.

Spray a generous amount of diluted degreaser onto the exterior and interior (first 5-10cm) of the tips. Allow it to dwell for 3-5 minutes, but do not let it dry. In 35°C+ heat, you may need to mist it with water to keep it active. This emulsifies the oily binders holding the soot in place.

Use your dedicated brush to scrub the inner walls. Focus on the bottom edge where condensation and soot accumulate most heavily. You will see the foam turn black; this indicates the chemical is working. Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water.

For stainless steel tips with heavy crusting, tear a small piece of 0000 steel wool and lubricate it with a bit of metal polish or soapy water. Using light pressure, rub in a back-and-forth motion (not circular) along the grain of the metal. This physically shears off stubborn carbon deposits that chemicals cannot touch.

Apply a pea-sized amount of metal polish to a microfibre applicator. Work a 5cm section at a time. Apply firm pressure. The polish will turn black almost immediately—this is a chemical reaction indicating that oxidized metal is being removed. Continue until the black residue becomes thin and translucent.

Buff away the dried polish residue with a clean, low-pile microfibre towel. Inspect the surface under a high-lumen torch (or direct sunlight). If 'tea staining' or yellowing persists, repeat the polishing pass. For highly neglected tips, 3 or 4 passes may be required.

Don't forget the 'lip' of the exhaust. This is the most visible part. Use your finger wrapped in a microfibre cloth with polish to ensure the very edge of the pipe is as shiny as the exterior. This creates the 'depth' look of a professional detail.

Switch to a fresh, clean microfibre and a tiny amount of polish. Use very light, fast strokes. This 'jewels' the metal, removing any micro-marring left by the heavier first pass and bringing out the maximum reflective clarity.

Spray an IPA solution or a dedicated panel wipe onto a clean cloth and wipe the entire tip. This removes the oils and lubricants contained in the metal polish. Without this step, your protective coating will fail to bond and will wash off within a week.

Apply 3-5 drops of a high-temp ceramic coating to a suede applicator. Wipe onto the metal in even, overlapping passes. Ensure full coverage of the exterior and the first 2-3cm of the interior. This coating can withstand the thermal expansion of the metal without cracking.

Wait for the coating to 'flash' (usually 30-60 seconds in Australian summer humidity). It may look like an oil slick. Gently wipe with a clean microfibre to level the coating. Do not use heavy pressure, as you want to leave the protective layer intact.

Allow the coating to cure for at least 12 hours before driving. Avoid getting the tips wet during this period. The heat from the exhaust during the first drive after curing will actually help 'bake' and harden the ceramic layer into the metal pores.