How To Avoid Rust On Your Car

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Learn how to avoid rust on your car with simple prevention tips, protective coatings, and proper maintenance to keep it looking new.

Introduction

Rust the scourge of every car owner. If untreated, it can corrode your vehicle’s bodywork, decrease its resale value and affect its structural integrity. Fortunately, a bit of work and regular maintenance can help prevent rust. In this guide we’ll show you practical steps you can take to protect your car from rust and to keep it looking and running like new.

What Causes Rust?

Rust is what happens when iron, or steel, rusts, in the presence of oxygen and moisture, resulting in iron oxide. Road salt, high humidity and neglect accelerate this process. New cars have rust protection coatings, but they are not foolproof especially if you live in an area with snowy winters, high humidity or near the coast.

Wash Your Car Regularly

Washing your car regularly, especially during the winter or after driving on salt-covered roads is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent rust. Salt, dirt and grime can accumulate in the car’s undercarriage and wheel wells creating optimum conditions for rust to develop.

Wash your car at least every-other week.
In winter clean weekly or after each snowstorm.
Remember to wash the underside and wheel wells.

Blast hard to reach spots with a high-pressure hose, and be sure to meticulously dry the vehicle afterward, particularly in areas where water has the potential to pool.

Apply a Wax Coating

Wax creates a barrier between your car’s paint and the elements. By keeping water off the bike and preventing dirt from scratching the paint surface, applying a coat of wax two to four times a year can save your metallic parts from a rust attack.

Use a high quality car wax.
Use post a good wash.
Pay extra attention to: areas prone to erosion, such as door edges, bumpers and wheel arches.

While waxing offers some short-term benefits, a ceramic coating provides added security, lasting significantly longer and providing better protection than wax.

Use Rust Proofing Spray

Sprays to Rust-proof or undercoat the underside and lower sides of the vehicle. These sprays create a barrier against salt, water and road debris.

Apply a rust inhibitor or rubberized undercoating.
Use on a dry, clean surface.
Look for rust on the under body frame and suspension components.

You can visit a professional auto shop to get your car rust-proofed, and if you live in a rust prone area this is highly recommended

Use Touch Up Paint for Small Chips and Scratches

Even the smallest of paint chips can expose metal surfaces to moisture and allow rust to form. Repair any scratches or chips as soon as you can.

Utilize car-specific touch-up paint kits that are color matched for your vehicle.
Prepare it by sanding and cleaning the area prior to paint application.
Seal with a clear coat for extra protection

Keep an eye out for the usual rust spots like the hood, fenders, door edges and rocker panels.

Keep Your Car Dry

Moisture is rust’s best friend so it’s important to keep your car dry. If you wash your car, dry it very well with microfiber towels or a leaf blower;

Prepare the area: Sand it down and clean before painting.
Top it off with a clear coat for an added level of protection.
Check common rust areas like the hood, fenders, door edges and rocker panels.

Inspect Drainage Points

Cars are built with tiny drain holes in doors, trunks, and sunroofs to remove some moisture. If these become clogged, standing water can accumulate indoors and encourage rust.

Inspect and clear drain holes when car washing.
Clear blockages with a thin wire or compressed air.
Check that all the seals around the door are in good condition and fit properly.

Schedule Annual Rust Inspections

So they say prevention is better than a cure! This is where annual rust inspections come in helping you minimize rust from the start, before it turns into an expensive headache.

Have your mechanic check areas where rust can develop.
Perform rust-proofing treatment during oil changes or tire changes.
Perform addressing if rust is discovered using sanding and rust-converter solutions.

Final Thoughts

Rust doesn’t only spoil your car’s looks it can undermine its safety and even its resale value. With preventive maintenance, routine cleaning and the use of appropriate protective measures you can diminish the risk of rusting to a significant level. Whether you’re driving through snowy roads or coastal highways, staying one step ahead of rust is the key to keeping your car looking good and extending its life.

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