How Hot Does an Exhaust Pipe Get?

If you have ever been a passenger on a motorcycle, you were probably warned by the driver to keep your leg away from the exhaust pipe so you wouldn't get burned. An exhaust pipe can actually get red hot, especially on a hot day.

The Exhaust System

Vehicles with internal combustion engines, including cars, trucks and motorcycles, use an exhaust system to remove the heat and fumes produced by the engine. The exhaust pipe is usually made of steel but can be stainless or aluminized steel tubing.

Temperature

The temperature of an exhaust pipe during operation of the vehicle depends on the type of metal, the distance from the engine, the temperature of the ambient air and the length of operation. Metal begins to glow faintly at 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482C). A tailpipe that's visibly red in the sunlight is about 1,300 F (704C). That's hot enough to roast hot dogs and marshmallows without a campfire.

Considerations

To avoid burns from motorcycle exhaust pipes, the National Institute of Health recommends passengers wear long pants, and owners install a heat shield around the exhaust pipe to reduce the surface temperature.