Aftermarket performance exhaust systems are one of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s power output, appearance, and sound. However, not everyone has the means to buy and install a complete aftermarket exhaust kit, so they settle for what they can, which is oftentimes a tired-looking but fully functional exhaust system. You can spend all the time you want washing and waxing your vehicle’s paint and chrome, but no amount of elbow grease can make your tailpipe look better. This is where aftermarket exhaust tips come into play.
Adding an aftermarket exhaust tip to your tailpipe is a simple, cost-effective and easy-to-install solution that will drastically alter the look of your exhaust system. Most exhaust tips are designed to easily slide over your tailpipe, and all you need to do to secure them is use the clamps that come with the kit. In fact, installing the exhaust tip is actually easier than selecting one when browsing through all the different options available. That being said, there are a couple of factors to consider when shopping for exhaust tips in order to make sure you get the one that suits your vehicle best.
The Finish
You’ll find a wide range of exhaust tip finishes, the most popular ones being black, chrome, carbon fiber, and stainless exhaust tips. Black and stainless exhaust tips are the two most commonly sought-after finishes, simply because they’re affordable and look incredibly well on most vehicles. However, your choice of a finish will typically come down to your personal preferences.
Diameter and Length
Buying an exhaust tip with the right diameter size is important in order to make sure it fits your tailpipe. The inlet diameter, outlet diameter, and length are the three measurements you need to take so that you can successfully fit your new exhaust tip. The inlet diameter of the exhaust tip you buy needs to match the outer diameter of your vehicle’s tailpipe. The outlet diameter represents the opening at the end of the exhaust tip. If the pipe is rectangular or oval, the diameter will be provided in two measurements, whereas if it’s in round shape, you’ll see only one number. And in terms of length, the exhaust tip should be long enough to be seen clearly, but not so long that it becomes an impediment.
Shape
Exhaust tips come in a wide range of shapes, including rectangular, oval, round, and square. However, you’ll also come across other descriptive terms that can apply to any of these shapes, such as angle-cut or slash-cut, meaning the tip is cut at an angle that varies from top to bottom, no matter its shape. Some exhaust tips are also double-walled, meaning that they have both a smaller inner hull and a larger outer hull.