Keep That Rust At Bay!

Rust is one of those things everybody knows of and has seen, but nobody likes. It is a car owner’s, and many others, worst enemy. Not only does it hurt the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, but it can also lead to serious structural damage that is unsafe and can be costly to repair. Vehicles in the northeast and many other places are unfortunately plagued by rust usually only a few years after rolling off of the showroom floor, making owners question what preventative steps they can take to avoid this plague and keep their vehicles from rotting away as time passes. While keeping rust at bay can be tricky, there are steps you can take to slow the oxidation process down and prolong the life of the materials that hold your vehicle together. Ready for more? 

Rust is the product of a chemical reaction that occurs when iron in various kinds of metal is exposed to water and oxygen. The process of this reaction taking place is called oxidation, and it creates iron oxide, more commonly known as rust. Unfortunately, it is permanent and can not be reversed. But, it can be slowed down and even prevented in some cases if the correct actions are taken. You may be asking yourself, how am I supposed to prevent rust on my vehicle if there is water and oxygen in the air all the time? It’s not easy to work against the elements, but it can be done. Here’s how. 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent rust is to regularly wash your vehicle. Salt, grime, dirt, and other contaminants cling to the undercarriage and other metal parts of your car. Exposed to moisture, these elements will speed up the rusting process. When washing your car, pay special attention to the underbody, wheel wells, and other areas that are often exposed to water and road salt. A pressure washer can help reach those hard-to-get areas. In an area where road salt is used to combat ice and snow, it’s especially important to wash your car more often during the winter months. Salt can be highly corrosive, and leaving it on your car will significantly increase the chances of rust formation.

Rust often begins in the most vulnerable areas of your vehicle, such as the wheel wells, door seams, and undercarriage. To keep these areas protected, use rustproofing or anti-corrosion spray products. There are a ton of options available on the market, from wax-based products to oil-based and so on. These products form a protective barrier against moisture and salt, which will prevent rust from developing. Professional undercoating services can be an excellent way to protect the underside of your vehicle. Especially if it is new and has not started rusting yet. This thick layer of coating is applied to shield metal parts from road salt, dirt, and water. You can also use rust inhibitors to treat small problem areas. These sprays can be applied to metal surfaces that are at risk of rusting.

Another way to help prevent rust from forming and spreading is to touch up any small chips or scratches in the paint. Exposed metal is susceptible to moisture and contaminants, which can cause it to corrode over time. Covering these areas with some touch up paint helps prevent the corrosion. Applying a layer of wax to your car's paint can also help prevent rust. The wax acts as an extra barrier of protection between the elements and the metal beneath. By repelling water and contaminants, wax reduces the chances of corrosion.

One of the lesser-known actions is to keep the vehicle’s drainage channels clear of debris.

Vehicles are designed with drainage channels to direct water away from the body and critical parts. Over time, these channels can become clogged with debris, preventing water from draining properly and causing it to pool in areas that are prone to rusting. They are usually located along the doors, sunroof, trunk hatch, and cowl, and can easily be cleaned with compressed air. 

If your car sits for long periods without being driven, the lack of air circulation can also encourage rust to form, especially in damp environments. For example, we never recommend parking on grass for extended periods of time because it holds moisture far longer than concrete, pavement, or gravel. Taking your vehicle out for regular drives, even just a short trip, can help keep the moisture levels low and prevent rust from taking hold. Parking in a garage is ideal, but not everyone has access to a garage. Parking on a hard surface that doesn’t hold moisture and covering the vehicle with a car cover is the next best option. 

Again, keeping the elements at bay is not easy, but it’s not impossible either. Staying on top of regular cleaning, using protective coatings, fixing paint chips, and keeping moisture at bay will make a significant impact on the life of your car and its value. It helps keep it looking good and stay structurally sound! If you're already dealing with a bit of rust, don't panic. Early intervention and a little extra care can often save you from a much bigger issue down the road. Keep an eye out for signs of rust, and make sure to take preventive measures as soon as possible. Your vehicle will thank you for it!