Hello everyone. So I purchased an 07 A4 just shy of a month ago. The exhaust tips are black, not just on the inside but on the outside. I know they are supposed to be chrome, so how do I get them back to that? I tried warm water and car soap, cleaned up a bit but not much. Any special cleanser for this job? Thanks! here is a picture

 

I have used SOS pads in the past on other cars. They might scratch the chrome though. I need to clean mine as well. Might see if a chrome wheel cleaner will do the trick.

 

Put some brake clean on a rag and wipe it down. Don't get it on the paint. It's only burnt oil so it will come off. Clean every oil change.

 

Ok thanks guys. Ya I thought about an SOS pad, but I tried that on my exhaust tips on my pickup and all it did was dull the shine and made them rust later. Brake cleaner sounds like a good idea, I have some I'll try that. Also thought about a thing called Bartenders friend that cleans stainless things really well. Thanks!

 

what ended up working ?

I am a new owner of a B7 A4 and the exhaust tips are basically black so looking to see what works best.
thanks!

 

I am kind of vain I guess. I always keep an old shop rag in the trunk and every time I see a bit of smudge on them I wipe them off. Wife thinks I am nuts. Been doing it ever since I bought it new back in '07. They still look almost new!

 

I've been using rim cleaner on them. Works pretty good. I think its the Eagle One stuff....

 

soap water and 800 grit sandpaper. It will come off before your eyes.

 

the problem with using any sort of abrasive is that it scores the finish (even 800 grit), causing it to get dirty quicker. The less abrasive you get, the better off you will be.....

 

Had my A4 for a year and it was the first thing I did. You can even go to 1000 which they use for headlight restorations and paint imperfections. Worked like a charm and I had no problems with corrosion/ scratches.