Routine maintenance of your exhaust system to prevent rust!
Posted by Sean@topspeed on 10th Aug 2023
Contrary to widely held belief, your stainless-steel exhaust is not rust proof!
One area prone to rust that many fail to consider is the exhaust system. Your exhaust system is there to process and direct emissions from your engine.
The exhaust system can rust quickly when exposed to corrosive rock salt in winter, humid climates, coastal climates or wherever they use corrosive rock salt on the roads in winter. Rusting parts compromise the exhaust system’s operation, including how compounds are filtered and where they are directed.
Here are several tips to prevent rust in your exhaust system. Routinely spraying off the underside of your vehicle, especially your exhaust, is one of the easiest ways to prevent corrosion on your undercarriage. Rinse on a routine basis will go a long way toward preventing rust from forming on your exhaust system, as it will remove much of the dust, dirt, and other debris that cause oxidation. The road particles tend to trap moisture against the metal in your exhaust system and allow rust to form. Opting for a high-quality exhaust system made of stainless steel from Top Speed Pro 1 Performance is another way to prevent rusting. Stainless steel is not 100% rust-proof, but it does resist the rusting process much better than other types of metal that factory exhaust systems are made of from the factory.
However, if you live in one of the climates mentioned above, it is crucial to take extra steps to protect your investment! Here is a step-by-step guide to protecting your exhaust and avoiding rust and corrosion before its time!
1. Routinely wash and rinse your exhaust with soapy water and a non-scratch dish scrubber.
2. For normal surface rust stains and corrosion, use a mag polish or car polish to remove the stains from the surface with portable buffer and cloth wheel.
3. For more stubborn rust stains that may have penetrated the surface, a rubbing compound can be used as it has a mild abrasive that will cut into the rust and remove it more easily than just polish alone.
4. Wipe down the polished exhaust system with a clean microfiber towel.
If you catch the problem early enough, and the rust is still mainly on the surface of the metal, you can remedy the problem with these methods. Once the rust penetrates the metal, it will spread very quickly, and you will need to repair or replace your exhaust. Either way, we want our customers to be happy with their investment, therefore, we are offering tips for preventative maintenance methods to all our customers!
Stay safe out there and happy motoring from your friends at TOP SPEED PRO 1 PERFORMANCE!