What to Do About Rusty Exhaust Pipes?
3 Answers
Solutions for rusty exhaust pipes: 1. Apply anti-rust coatings; 2. Drill holes at the tail of the exhaust pipe; 3. Replace with stainless steel exhaust pipes; 4. Pay attention to road condition choices; 5. Parking space selection. It's best not to park outdoors, especially at night, as dew is highly likely to condense on the exhaust pipe. At this time, there's no high temperature to evaporate the moisture, which is akin to the slow corrosion of steel. Therefore, if you have an underground garage, it's best to park there. There are no protective plates underneath the car's exhaust pipe because the temperature of the exhaust pipe is extremely high, making it impossible to install a protective plate. When it rains, the exhaust pipe will come into contact with water, and over time, it will rust. To prevent the exhaust pipe from rusting, you can lift the car with a lift during maintenance and spray some rust remover on the exhaust pipe, which can help avoid rusting.
Don't panic if you find rust on the exhaust pipe! I usually use a flashlight to crouch down and check the rusted areas: if it's just surface rust, scrub off the rust layer with a steel wire brush and then spray on some high-temperature-resistant anti-rust paint. The joints around the muffler bulge are the most prone to accumulating mud and water, leading to rust-through—lightly tap with a screwdriver and listen to the sound—a dull thud means the inner wall is corroded and needs replacement. If the exhaust pipe bracket rusts and breaks, causing it to sag and rattle over speed bumps, head to a welding shop for reinforcement immediately. In northern winters, road salt is particularly harsh on exhaust pipes, so it's advisable to apply some anti-rust paste to the joints before winter each year. For car enthusiasts who modify their vehicles, switching to a stainless steel exhaust pipe is an option—though more expensive, it completely eliminates rust worries.
My one-way commute to work is 40 minutes, and the middle section of the exhaust pipe has rusted through twice. Here's my advice for handling it based on severity: When there's rust but no penetration yet, buy a can of exhaust pipe anti-rust spray and apply it monthly, focusing on welded seams. If it rusts to the point of leaking, you'll hear popping sounds during acceleration - then you must cut out the rotten section and replace it. Note: if upgrading to stainless steel exhaust pipes, don't cheap out - thin-walled pipes are prone to resonance. When the engine is cold, check the bends of the exhaust pipe; clean any black sludge immediately as it's highly corrosive when mixed with moisture. Is the tailpipe decorative cover rusted stuck? Spray WD-40, let it soak for half an hour, then try again.
