With many metal pieces, it’s no surprise that rust poses a threat to vehicles. Have you noticed reddish-brown flakes ruining your car’s paint job? Or are you trying to get ahead of this common problem?
No matter the circumstance, there are multiple solutions to prevent your vehicle from rusting. Continue reading for a full breakdown of the risks rust poses to cars and how to stop it from the start.
The Risks of Rust on Vehicles
Rust is the result of iron or steel coming into contact with oxygen and moisture. Over time, this chemical reaction weakens the metal and leads to corrosion, which can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Unsightly Appearance
Rust presents itself as an unappealing orange or brown color. It spreads across metal surfaces, making vehicles look old and neglected. The car will suffer from diminished visual appeal and resale value with this type of damage.
Compromised Structural Integrity
Rust can affect critical components of your vehicle, such as the frame, suspension, undercarriage, and brake lines. When rust is hidden, it’s difficult to spot the damage until it has caused significant impairments. This can lead to vehicular malfunctions that put you and your passengers at risk.
Potential for Complete Vehicle Failure
If left untreated, severe rust can cause parts of the vehicle to completely fail, resulting in costly repairs or rendering the car unfixable. Preventing rust early can help avoid unfavorable outcomes.
What Causes Rust To Develop on Vehicles?
Rust is a natural process that occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture in the environment, forming iron oxide. Oxidation is particularly common in metals like steel, which is widely used in vehicle manufacturing.
The constant exposure to air and water is enough to allow rust to form on vehicles, but certain conditions can accelerate rust. Here’s what you should avoid if you don’t want rust to form on your vehicle.
Winter Weather
When snow and ice appear, you’ll have to be more careful about rust. Road salt is a necessary treatment to expel ice from the streets. While it’s beneficial for driving conditions, it’s harmful to vehicles.
Road salt causes a chemical reaction that speeds up the formation of rust. If drivers leave the substance on the vehicle, the combination of road salt and moisture will degrade the vehicle’s metal components.
Rain and Humidity
Whether the weather is warm or cold, moisture encourages rusting. Exposure to frequent rain and humidity is likely to cause oxidation. However, these elements are difficult to avoid.
Coastal Regions
Coastal areas are at a high-risk level for rust. Driving near the beach, vehicles encounter humidity, saltwater, and sand. None of these elements are good when you’re trying to prevent your vehicle from rusting.
Old Cars
Rust is a big concern for old cars because they can contain less rust-resistant materials or coatings than modern-day vehicles. Protective paint might have worn thin over the years, making older vehicles easy targets for corrosion.
Top Tips To Prevent Rust
Preventing rust doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By taking proactive steps and adding a few simple habits to your automotive care routine, you can drastically reduce the chances of rust.
Wash the Vehicle Regularly
It’s inevitable for your car to come into contact with rust-causing substances. When you keep it clean, you can mitigate potential issues.
Dirt, grime, and other debris can trap moisture against the car’s metal surfaces. Regular washing removes contaminants before rust forms.
To protect your car, wash it every two weeks. Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and hidden areas where salt and debris tend to accumulate. Keeping these spots clean is key to preventing long-term damage.
Perform Regular Inspections
Frequent inspections are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent rust. Schedule time every few weeks to examine the undercarriage, door frames, wheel wells, and more for rust.
If you notice the signs of rust, take action immediately so that it doesn’t spread. Look for reddish-brown patches, bubbling or flaking paint, and rough, gritty textures on metal surfaces. You might also notice small holes or weak spots, especially in areas exposed to moisture or road salt. Catching these early can save you from costly repairs.
Avoid Conditions That Accelerate Rust
Sometimes, limiting exposure to rust-inducing environments is the best preventive strategy. For instance, if you’re concerned about winter road salt, consider alternative transportation during harsh weather conditions.
If you don’t have the option to put your vehicle away for an entire season, try to avoid driving in wet conditions whenever possible. If you live near the beach, take alternative routes or rinse off the vehicle after driving on sandy roads.
Keep the Vehicle Covered
Avoiding exposure to the elements altogether is a great way to keep rust off your car. Park in an enclosed garage or add a car cover when poor weather is in the forecast. This will shield the vehicle from moisture, salt, and other contributors to rust.
Apply Rust Protection
Rust prevention products can make a world of difference. One essential tool in your car-care arsenal should be car rust prevention spray. This spray works by forming a protective barrier on the metal surfaces of your vehicle, effectively shielding them from moisture and environmental contaminants. By repelling water, salt, and road grime, it helps to prevent oxidation.
Rust prevention sprays offer durable coverage, especially when applied to high-risk areas like the undercarriage, wheel wells, and door seams. It’s one of the best options for keeping vehicles free of rust, looking incredible, and functioning properly.
There are other protective measures beyond sprays. Waxing your car every few months will create an additional moisture-resistant barrier. Applying protective clear films along the lower panels and doors will guard against chips and scratches, two impairments that are likely to rust when exposed to air and moisture.
Everyone can extend the lifespan and quality of their vehicle with the right guidance and tools. At Eagle National Supply, we’ve got everything you need to fight rust and keep your car in top shape, including rust prevention paints, spray guns, and finishing wax. Shop now and give your car the protection it deserves!