How to Clean Your Car's Exhaust System

The exhaust system of a car is an important component that few people consider. Your car releases fumes containing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, and if your exhaust doesn't work properly, problems can occur. Maintaining the exhaust helps to keep the engine running smoothly and prevents dangerous gases from getting into the cabin. It also helps deter rust from setting in. Regularly cleaning your exhaust system helps to prevent costly repairs. Check out the steps below to learn how to properly clean your car's exhaust system:

1. Gather Your Materials

Get all your supplies together before you begin. You will need gloves, a bucket of soap and water, several rags, a brush that can fit into the pipe, a degreaser, and metal polish.

2. Use Soap and Water to Clean the Exhaust Pipe

Using soap and water, clean the outside of the pipe with an old rag. Take the brush and clean out the inside reaching as far as you can. This will remove caked-on dirt and smoke deposits.

3. Apply Degreaser

Using another rag, apply the degreaser to the inside and outside of the exhaust pipe. This loosens rust and caked-on carbon deposits. Allow the degreaser to sit as per the product's label.

4. Remove Degreaser

Take the steel wool and remove the degreaser in small, circular motions. Note that if the tip has been neglected for some time, the degreasing step may need to be repeated.

5. Apply Metal Polish

Apply the metal polish inside and out using the steel wool or a rag. Let it sit for a bit.

6. Remove Polish

Buff the polish off to reveal a clean and shiny pipe that is free of blockages and soot.

Let Custom Complete Automotive Handle It

Cleaning your car's exhaust system is not impossible for you to do on your own, but it is a dirty job that can be time-consuming. At Custom Complete Automotive, our professionals will not only get your exhaust system as clean as it can be, we will also inspect the system for problems and repair as necessary. We have several locations to serve you in the Columbia, Missouri area as well as one in Jefferson City and one in St. Louis.  For more information about our auto services, contact us today!