Rust on your car is nothing short of a nightmare. It slowly but surely eats away at your beloved automotive, bringing its life to a premature end. Fortunately, rusting is preventable with proper maintenance of your car. In this article, you will find the best measures to prevent rusting on cars.

Your car is your chariot and you, are its defender against all harms- including rust. The reason rust is such a nightmare for car-owners is that if left undetected, it can eat away at the car. While you can’t really keep your car in the same shape as it was when you bought it, you can still make sure it works seamlessly for several years. Luckily, there are steps car-owners can take to prevent their vehicle from rusting. If you don’t want your vehicle to end up in a junkyard, you will want to follow this guide diligently.

How Do Cars Rust?

Rust or red dust is a blemish on your vehicle that must be tackled as soon as detected. If your vehicle is often on the roads, then it is exposed to moisture in the environment. Continued exposure to moisture, rain, or snow will lead to the formation of rust. This is because when water and oxygen combine with the iron in your vehicle, rusting occurs. Not only will this damage the structure of your car, but it will also have a big impact on resale value. Rusting is more common than you might think, but many car owners don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Spots to Check for Rust

Now you know a little more about what rust is and how it occurs. The next thing you should know is where you are most likely to find it in your car. Any part that is accessible to water or snow is at risk of rusting. So, you must always inspect the:

  • Undercarriage of your car.
  • Fenders.
  • Wheel wells.
  • Under trims and moldings.
  • Connecting points for side mirrors.
  • Antenna.
  • Paint chippings.

It is necessary to check these areas carefully, especially the undercarriage- which is out of sight. If your car is a low rider or if don’t have the equipment to raise your car, then take it to a garage for inspection. Even a spot of rust is harmful as it will spread quickly, so make sure to examine your car thoroughly.

Guide to Prevent Rusting on Cars

For the inspection for rust to give a positive result, you should follow the advice given below. Hopefully, following these tips will help you maintain your vehicle’s quality by keeping rust away. Getting rust out of your car is going to be time-consuming, so pick a (dry) day and set it aside for this task.

Avoid Getting Scratched

It’s a no-brainer that you must avoid getting your car scratched. Some tips to follow are:

  • Don’t place hard items on the car.
  • Potholes will damage the underside of your car and may create openings for water to settle in.
  • Avoid parking in tight spaces.
  • Remove bird droppings as quickly as possible.
  • Avoid parking over gathered water.

If the paint is grazed off due to a scratch or due to UV exposure, then your car’s structure is bare to the elements. If this open area is not sealed, you will soon see little bubbles under the surface of your car’s paint. These bubbles are due to accumulating rust pushing at your paint layer. This surface rust can be removed if you act fast.

Follow these steps to prevent further rusting of your car:

  • Use high-grade sandpaper to sand off the corrosive rust and the damaged paint.
  • Repaint the area or your car.

You can read here for more comprehensive steps on removing rust from cars.

Wash your Car

Something as simple as thoroughly washing your car can protect it from corrosion. If you live in a rainy climate or near the sea, you should wash your car at least once every two weeks. If you live in a dry climate, you can extend the time between your car washes. Some things to keep in mind while cleaning are stated ahead.

  • Don’t just focus on the body of your car but get under it and scrub any grime and grit from down there. If you can’t clean the underside of your car by yourself, then have someone do it for you. Don’t skip this part.
  • Also, check the drain pumps for clogging. These are present under the car doors and along the trunk and hood. If clogged, water will gather causing rusting.
  • When it snows, there is a lot of salt spread on the ground. During this season, wash your car in the garage or on an elevated surface to protect the car from salt. Salt and water on your car will result in rust. The same goes for people living near the beach.
  • Wax your car to protect it from rusting.
  • Dry the inside of your car to avoid letting moisture set in.

Get Ceramic Coating

If waxing your car isn’t appealing to you, then getting ceramic coating is an even better option. It lasts longer, gives your car a glossy look, and protects against UV rays. The coating bind with the car’s paint and increases its durability. This means your paint won’t chip due to exposure to the sun or extreme weather conditions.

Get Rustproofing Spray

If your car isn’t already rustproofed, then get it done now. Before you apply the anti-rust spray, make sure you have cleaned your car thoroughly and dried it as well. A good rustproofing job should last several years. If you already see rust bubbles on your car, remove them before applying the rustproof spray. This is an economic option if you can’t afford ceramic coating.

When applying the spray, give special attention to your car’s undercarriage. The fuel and brake lines are most prone to rusting. Again, before applying the spray, make sure the undercarriage is rid of any grime or contaminants that might get trapped under the coating.

Conclusion

All cars, new and old, are prone to rust. It is up to the car owner to take care of their vehicle to prevent a rust attack. In this informative post, we have provided you with the information to prevent rusting of your car. With careful maintenance, your car will live to see many rust-free years.

Let us know what worked for you in the comments below!