Keeping the chrome near the rear exhaust clean?

[Toddasaurus]

I always wondered why they get so black? I realize that is carbon. I figured new cars would burn clean. I have a 2000 2500 Suburban, and you can take your finger and run it around in the tailpipe and not even have any sign of carbon. Totally clean!

I may be wrong; but, I assume it's due to our cars being turbocharged. Generally speaking, turbo'd cars run much richer than their NA equivalents. Maybe that's why we get more carbon in the tips.

But, then again, my wife's WRX (also turbocharged, obviously) doesn't really have as much carbon buildup around the exhaust tips as mine. However, the G70 has a different exhaust design with the tip surrounds being further out, and maybe coming more into contact with the exhaust gasses?

So, long story short - I don't know. Haha.

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

I may be wrong; but, I assume it's due to our cars being turbocharged. Generally speaking, turbo'd cars run much richer than their NA equivalents. Maybe that's why we get more carbon in the tips.

But, then again, my wife's WRX (also turbocharged, obviously) doesn't really have as much carbon buildup around the exhaust tips as mine. However, the G70 has a different exhaust design with the tip surrounds being further out, and maybe coming more into contact with the exhaust gasses?

So, long story short - I don't know. Haha.

Toddasauras I dont know either. My friends 2012 Azera was the worst one I ever did see. Black with carbon bad. That car got washed once a week and those exhaust tips were just caked up with carbon. One would figure the old V8 would be the one with lots of carbon on the tail pipes?

 

[BlancaGenny]

Not sure if this should be posted here or in the engine section.

The chrome piece near the exhaust tips has literally turned black...

Any suggestions on a wax or product to keep this clean?

Here is a random internet pic of the area I'm talking about

thank youView attachment 21277

I had a DIY on the G35 forum about how to clean these. It's carbon build up and it is common on GDI motors. Use alcohol-free Windex, steel wool, and then a mag/aluminum polish to buff the finish. It had never been done on the G35 and they were pitch black. Came out almost new. Doesn't hurt the finish. I do it every year or so on mine because it does build up often.

 

[TinsleyC]

I'll have to try my Barkeeper's Friend, I have a bottle of their liquid (and powder), they do amazing work on stainless steel.

 

[Phastroh]

It is true though you if you clean them weekly it’s good and once you get them shiny keep up with them. Like flossing lol

 

[Minsc]

I learned about the Magic Eraser / Mr. Clean Cleaning Pad trick from a detail shop. I've used them on my exhaust tips every since!