How should I clean my chrome exhaust pipes? (Golf GTI Mk V)

[Tomatogti]

Just after some advice on how best to clean my chrome exhaust pipes. I've read Autosol is great stuff although unsure whether I need Metal Polish or Chrome Polish. From my understanding Metal Polish is more abrasive and whilst it can be used on chrome it shouldn't be used on "Mirror finishes" so should I therefore use Chrome polish (I know - the clue's in the name!). Just wondering if being exhaust pipes it may need the more abrasive stuff?

Also, should i use Microfibre cloths or OO grade steelwool?

Thanks

[blueg33]

I find that Mr Sheen foaming metal polish is fine for chrome and is much less abrasive than autosol. I apply with a cloth and polish off as per instructions on the tin. It may take a few goes if your chrome is heavily soiled.

[bobotheclown]

I use 00 grade steel wool. Microfibre doesn't have the abrasive qualities, though I am a weakling

[Tomatogti]

Thanks for replies.

blueg33, can't seem to find Mr Sheen Metal Polish about. One place mentions they've discontinued it and it looks like that's because it's no longer made.

[blueg33]

Tomatogti said:

Thanks for replies.

blueg33, can't seem to find Mr Sheen Metal Polish about. One place mentions they've discontinued it and it looks like that's because it's no longer made.

Oh, I didn't realise, my tin has lasted for about 4 years. I will have to find an alternative when it runs out. I will watch this thread.

[drybeer]

I swear by "JML Spotless" which although appearing to be a cheap brand really does the job of getting the worst marks off the exhaust. It comes in a tub as opposed to a tube, and is a kind of paste, slightly damp, and you must remember to seal the tub after to stop it drying out.

This gets the worst of even old stains and tarnish / black coked up exhaust marks off, and then I use Autoglym metal polish to bring a shine up.

If you've got none of these then Autoglym glass cream cleaner is almost the same formula as a very mild metal polish i.e. only mildly abrasive.

[the-photographer]

I use a basic domestic cream cleaner, about £1.50 for 500ml

http://www.ecover.com/gb/en/Products/Cleaning/2005...

[aph202]

I was planning on finally sorting out my exhaust tips this evening - weird timing.

Mine have never been done and are in an awful state after 70k miles. At the bottom of the pipe tips it's all jet black and crusty. I can't tell whether it's coke deposits or actual corrosion.

How would I get this off? The JML product looks good, where would I buy this on the high street?


Mine are so bad I'd willingly just replace them; is this possible?

Thanks,

Adrian.

[drybeer]

http://www.firerestorationservice.co.uk/1212/jml-s...

I got mine in Woolies, but isn't them being gone I googled it!

[SB10]

I've always used Autosol Metal polish on my various cars. Cleans and shines them up a treat. Can be found in halfords... or probably cheaper online!

[graham22]

Once clean, you can keep on top of them by using alloy wheel cleaner. I use Mer stuff on my wheels & do the exhaust tips at the same time (A3 TFSI) before rinsing & washing the car.

[aph202]

I've read elsewhere that Cillit Bang is the way forward. Particularly as I've so much coke etc caked on I'm going to try this this evening.

I need some 0000 grade wire wool though, no idea where I'd get such a specific grade, any suggestions?

[aph202]

Turns out Cillit Bang and even the most abrasive of wire wools does very little!

Maybe my tips are too far gone, but they're still black and lumpy in parts.

I have AutoGlym metal polish which was going to be my next step, is there a view on whether Autosol would be better?

[drybeer]

Trust me - the JML does the job! That big tub for £5.99 in the link I posted is a cheap investment.

[wigit]

Another thumbs up for autosol

[SB10]

aph202 said:

Turns out Cillit Bang and even the most abrasive of wire wools does very little!

Maybe my tips are too far gone, but they're still black and lumpy in parts.

I have AutoGlym metal polish which was going to be my next step, is there a view on whether Autosol would be better?

I used to use AutoGlym. Autosol does a better job IMO.

[Tomatogti]

I emailed www.thepolishingshop.co.uk for their advice and they said

"Dear Sir,

Would not recommend wire wool on a chrome exhaust. The problem with chrome
is that is electroplated onto a steel exhaust and if you break through the
chrome then you will lose the finish and it will rust quite quickly.
Which is why normal metal polishes such as the autosol metal polish are not
recommend. Products like belgom chromes,peek polish ,autosol chrome cleaner
and autosol showroom polish work better as they are much less abrasive and
have no chance of going through the plated surface."

From what I've read it also seems to be a 2 stage process if the exhausts are quite sooty (like mine) - step 1 use something like alloy wheel cleaner to just get them clean (but not shiny) and step 2 - use a (not too abrasive) polish to get them to sparkle. I've tried step one using Autoglym Alloy Wheel cleaner and it did a good job at making them clean - going to try step 2 with Autoglym Window Cleaner this weekend (which apparently is a very mild abrasive and therefore can be used for polishing exhaust pipes). Only using the Autoglym products as the other half got a whole pack of the stuff when she bought her car.
Will update on how the window cleaner works next week.

[TDIfurby]

Yet, ANOTHER thumbs up for autosol.

[aph202]

Halfords after work then, get me some AutoSol and Meg's wheel cleaner!

[steve singh]

Autosol and a rag.

If you've got really dirty tips you can buy an "exhaust cleaning" attachment of ebay for a few quid which connects to a normal drill and makes life a lot easier.

Autosol on the inside of the tips, stick the drill in, switch on and it's done in minutes...

Edited by steve singh on Friday 8th April 15:55