A vehicle isn’t just something you use to get from point A to point B—it’s an important investment and a big part of your life. But did you know almost five million cars are scrapped each year due to rust?
Even with quality garage storage and regular car washes, rust can happen. This is especially true for vehicles that drive through harsh winter weather and are exposed to the road salt used to get rid of ice and snow. As the ice melts, water mixes with the salt to form an electrolyte that can easily lead to rust and damage—especially on your vehicle’s underbody.
That’s why many drivers opt to protect their investment with car rustproofing applications that will help avoid costly repairs and keep their vehicle looking like new. Here are 5 reasons you should consider rustproofing your car.
1. Easily protect your vehicle with a clear, drip-free spray.
Due to exposure to the elements and general wear and tear, there are areas of your car’s exterior that are likely to corrode and rust—including the fenders, hood, and undercarriage. Applying protective waxes or other coatings—like a car rustproofing clear-coat—can help you easily combat this corrosion.
There are several ways to rustproof your car, including electronic modules, tar-based sprays, drip oil sprays, and dripless (or drip-free) sprays. Our experts recommend a clear-coat application because it hardens after being sprayed, creating a seal to keep out moisture. A drip-free, car rustproofing spray also covers more surface area than tar-based sprays—and it’ll cling to your car’s frame without any run-off or unsightly residue.
2. Treat cars that are in the garage—or already rusting.
A common misconception people have is that parking vehicles in garages will completely protect them against the elements. But even cars in garages are prone to corrosion and need protection. That’s because rust only needs a few elements to form: an anode and a cathode (the metal in your car), as well as an electrolyte (like road salt mixed with water from melting ice or snow).
Car rustproofing is also recommended even if your vehicle has already started to rust. While car rustproofing works best for new vehicles—since the sooner you can treat your car, the more protected it’ll be against corrosion—used cars can benefit too.
If you can rustproof your car as soon as you notice a rusty spot, you can slow down the chemical corrosion process. Once you grind down and retouch a rust stain, you’ll be able to prevent further rust damage—which can lead to part failure or costly repairs if left untreated.
3. Drive without worrying about damage from snow, ice, and road salt.
If your vehicle is left unprotected against snow, ice, and road salt, rust can develop in many places—including under your vehicle's body panels and along its frame. This can cause problems like leaking gas tanks, broken suspension parts, and more serious issues like blown tires or smashed rims.
Thankfully, rustproofing is a great way to protect your car from damage and expensive repairs down the road. If you’re able to get your vehicle rust proofed before the first snowfall, you’ll get maximum protection against moisture, dirt, and road salt. However, you can still get a car rustproofing treatment during the winter to help prevent corrosion, combat existing rust, or keep further car damage from happening.
4. Have a professional take the hard work off your plate.
Tackling a car rustproofing project yourself requires having a lot of materials, know-how, and extra time on your hands. While it’s worth the effort, you may decide that having an expert treat your vehicle will save you time and hassle—and provide the assurance that it’s done right.
Rustproofing your car is an investment—but when you compare the cost of repairing or replacing a rust-damaged vehicle to the cost of a professional rustproofing application, you’ll see that using a professional actually saves you money and increases the longevity of your vehicle.
5. Make your vehicle look amazing and last longer.
Did you know that rust-free vehicles are considered “newer” and therefore have a higher resale value than vehicles with existing corrosion damage?
Because rustproofing is a preventative measure against corrosion, it can help extend the life of your vehicle and keep it looking like new for longer. It also means less money spent on repair bills and more money in your pocket!
We’ve listed common areas that car rustproofing should be applied:
Underbody rustproofing will protect your vehicle’s:
- Bumper supports
- Rear bumper supports
- Undercarriage
- Wheel arches and liners
Complete rustproofing includes underbody protection, plus:
- Chrome moldings
- Doors and handles
- Front and rear fenders
- Hood
- Window trim
- And much more
If you want to keep your car looking pristine and save money in the long run, it’s definitely worth rustproofing your car. A professional application will help protect the vehicle body and parts, extend the life of your car, and can help increase the resale value.
Premier’s mission is to create happiness through professional detailing, and our purpose is to exhibit a philosophy of servanthood! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!