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Exhaust tip: replacement and selection

When and why an exhaust tip needs replacement

Lifetime limit for an exhaust tip is not specified. This component is replaced if metal components are corroded, fastening is loosened, there are mechanical damages and resonator or LEDs (if present) are broken.

Effects of thawing salts and moisture on metal parts lead to corrosion. Vibrations in the exhaust line during driving lead to loosening of fasteners. Also the tip can get damaged when hit by rocks, coming from the road. Lighting elements may lose operability due to oxidation or short circuit of contacts, lamps lifetime ending. Moreover, low quality of production material is often the cause of rapid breakdown of tips.

Failures of the component are indicated by visible defects, rattling sounds coming from the tip while driving, and altered sound of working engine. Also breakage is indicated by absence of lighting, if the tip has such a function.

A welder will be needed to mount some models of tips. If you don’t have such equipment it is advisable to visit a service station to install this component.

How to select a exhaust tip

These parts are divided into multi-purpose ones and designed for a specific vehicle brand or model. Tips can be mounted by two methods: with special bolts or clamps, or using welding. The first method is simple, but not reliable enough, the second requires visit to a service station, but ensures firm attachment of the part.

The components differ by functionality also. Some tips provide decorative effect only. They are easy to install and cheap. More complex components not only improve a car’s exterior, but also change the engine sound, amplifying or silencing it. Their price is a bit higher. There are also tips with additional options, particularly, with LED lighting. Such components make the car’s appearance highly attractive and have the highest price.

Various materials are used in production of these parts. For example, stainless steel exhaust tips or carbon ones are considered to be more durable. Parts made of regular steel are inferior to them by quality, but are more affordable. Also the components vary by shape: there are dual, single, twisted, flat and other exhaust tips.

Perfect appearance and continuous lifetime are specific only for components of proven manufacturers. For example, HJS, Walker and Vegaz gave a good account of themselves.

During selection of multi-purpose exhaust tip you need to make sure that its width and height do not exceed corresponding parameters of a recess in the rear bumper. Also you need to take into account the exhaust pipe diameter. Buying a component, which is fastened to the exhaust pipe with bolts, it is advisable to make sure that there are anti-vandal stainless fasteners in the kit.