Rust is one of every vehicle owner's greatest nightmares. Once a spot of rust appears, there is no stopping its destruction, which can take its toll on the appearance and the structural integrity of your vehicle. While there have been many advances in regard to the manufacturing of vehicles, steel still rusts.
However, there is hope in keeping your vehicle rust-free. You must be proactive in maintaining your vehicle and keeping an eye out for several warning signs. In this guide, we will go over several ways to keep your car rust-free and on the road.
What Causes Rust?
Rust is the result of a chemical reaction called oxidation. Iron reacts with water and oxygen, which form a hydrated iron oxide.
Metal is naturally returning to its unrefined state due to the opposing charges of iron and oxygen. Because of these opposite charges, iron and oxygen gravitate towards each other, resulting in iron losing electrons to oxygen atoms. This corrodes and deteriorates the iron, causing the metal to flake and turn colors.
Most surface rust on your vehicle forms when paint breaks down because of chips, dings, or UV damage. Some substances can cause rust to form, most commonly salt. An object that rusts slowly under normal conditions will rust quickly when in contact with salt water. Salt acts as an electrolyte that speeds up the loss of electrons.
If you want to keep your vehicle looking good and on the road, here are a few tips from us at First Aid Auto.
Tips to Keep Rust-Free
1. Wash Your Car
Washing your car sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. While dirt isn't the cause of rust, it damages your vehicle's protective coating and paint job. This allows rust to sneak its way in. In addition to washing your car, applying a coat of wax will help defend against contaminants that can cling to the surface.
When washing your car, also make sure to clean your undercarriage as this is where rust is at its most destructive. Rust can break apart welds, and damage joints, creating structural deficiencies in your vehicle. In short, your car could literally fall apart due to heavy rust.
2. Rinse Off Any Salt
Winter time is prime time for rust to begin, especially if you live in an area where they brine the roads with a salt mixture or de-ice. During the winter, it is important to rinse off any salt and brine from your car.
Not only does it look bad and damage your paint job, but it can expedite rust due to the electrolytes in salt. Rinse your vehicle at least once a week to remove salt buildup.
3. Clean Up Interior Spills
While metal isn’t visible throughout most of your interior, it is there underneath the carpet and insulation. If moisture makes it beyond the carpeting and hits metal, it can cause rust that can be catastrophic.
If it gets bad enough, it can cause holes to form, which could potentially allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle. So make sure to immediately clean up any spills.
4. Check Your Paint
If your clear coat is starting to flake off or your paint is chipping, your vehicle is becoming susceptible to rust. Paint and clear coat is the first line of defense against corrosion, and keeping your paint in good shape is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle rust-free.
Make sure to touch up or get a new clear coat applied when your paint is damaged. If you want to know more about why we should not neglect dent and ding repair, check out our blog on the subject here.
5. Coat Your Car with Rust Prevention Lubricant
One way to keep rust from appearing on your car is by utilizing a rust prevention lubricant, or WD-40. It keeps metal surfaces dry, which prevents rust.
If you go this route, make sure to thoroughly clean your car before applying. It not only works well on the car's body but also on the undercarriage and frame. With a coat of WD- 40, your vehicle will be protected for at least six months.
Rust Repair and Prevention
Rust should always be taken care of promptly, so don’t put off taking care of your vehicle's surfaces. Some surface rust can be repaired by sanding down rust spots to bare metal, filling with body filler, and painting over the affected surface; however, preventing the rust from getting there in the first place is preferred.
If you do find yourself with rust on your vehicle, the experts at First Aid Auto will ensure your vehicle is taken care of quickly and keep you on the road without costing an arm and a leg.
We are a family-run business with over 20 years of expertise, and our technicians have honed their craft at some of western North Carolina's top car dealerships. From Chevys and Fords to BMWs and Mercedes, we've worked on them all.
Whatever vehicle you drive, we can assist. The potential for rust shouldn't be ignored! Contact us today so you can travel knowing your car is safe and roadworthy!