Simple Tips on How to Clean Your Muffler

They say cleanliness is close to Godliness. This moving statement applies not only to the big things that need to be tidied up, but also to the small things. In this case, we’ll be talking about a small, but important part of an automobile: the muffler.

We often hear the word, but what is it, really? A muffler, exhaust, tailpipe, or silencer to Brits, is a car device responsible for canceling out the noise of the engine. That’s why when you rev a car’s engine to accelerate, the sound produced is a smooth “vroom”. That is what we hear most of the time instead of the engine’s infernal cacophony.

Like any other device, over time, the wear and tear of the muffler causes it to gather dust and other particles, which affect the overall sound emission sound. Instead of a smooth “vroom”, there is a rough lapse in the acceleration, similar to someone coughing with phlegm stuck in one’s throat. It might be time to get a new muffler from your car parts supplier in that case. If not, then all the muffler needs is a good clean. Here are simple tips on how to do just that:

Rinse with Soap and Water

These are the most non-abrasive materials you can use to wash your muffler. Rinse the exterior and interior carefully with water. You can do this with a hose or dipper, depending on your choice. You don’t want to risk rusting the other components connected to the tailpipe. After that, soap inside out to get the first layer of muck and grime out. Rinse off the soap. Remember not to wet the other parts connected to the muffler.

Wipe the Muffler

Using a clean cloth, wipe the pipe thoroughly so it dries properly. This will take out any remaining dirt that remained after Tip #1. Make sure you don’t leave any part of the exhaust wet or it could rust. Wiping the muffler dry also makes you ready for…

Polish

This is the last step in cleaning your exhaust pipe. Coat the exterior and interior of the tailpipe in polish. With a brand new cloth, spread the polish all over the pipe and work your way around and some portions inside until shiny. Depending on the kind of metal in your muffler, use an aluminum or chrome polish.

If you’re working with a budget, you can use toothpaste and a toothbrush instead. You’ll notice that it works just as fine on metal surfaces. As a sign that your muffler’s good to go, you should be able to see your reflection clearly.

These easy-to-remember steps will have your car muffler spotless in no time. With the right equipment and some elbow grease, you’re good to go.