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Tips When Cleaning Your Car's Muffler

22 January 2016

Ethan Andrews

Having a car that operates effectively and efficiently is contingent upon having maintained exhaust systems. The exhaust gases that move through the pipes are designed to go out the muffler. The result of the gases flowing through the muffler of your vehicle is often discoloration and some minor clogging. The gases that flow through the muffler are dark, which means that they leave behind a dark residue. Many of the mufflers that you can have installed on your vehicle are designed to be disposable, but higher quality mufflers that offer improved performance can be installed instead. These higher quality mufflers must be cleaned regularly. Before you clean the muffler in your car, there are a few tips that are designed to make the process simpler.

Dry Rag

The first step in the muffler cleaning process involves using a dry rag to wipe away the soot and residue that has been left behind as a result of the dark exhaust gases. Using a dry rag is recommended at first, because it allows you to get a lot of the surface residue removed without creating a mess. Use this rag only on the outside of the muffler where the residue is most noticeable on the end.

Soap

When you are creating a cleaning solution that you can use to clean away all the soot left behind, you only need to use water and dish soap. Adding a small amount of dish soap to warm water will create a claiming solution that is effective in removing the stains left behind by the exhaust gases. The dish soap that you use is key because it will have the ability to get rid of grease stains. When you use this cleaning solution, all of the dirt and soot should be wiped away completely from the muffler.

Shine

Once you dry the muffler using a clean rag, you might notice that the surface of the muffler looks dingy or has unsightly spots. You can make the surface of the muffler shine using metal polish. Only use the metal polish on the areas of the muffler where you can see spots. When you are using the metal polish, you need to be sure that you are applying even pressure to the surface of the muffler. You should keep folding your rag over when you are shining the muffler using the metal polish and be sure that you are using a buffing motion.

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