Indiana winters bring beautiful snow, holiday celebrations, and potentially rust for your car. This is partly because of the road salt we use 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, especially on your vehicle’s underbody.
But by rustproofing your car, truck, or SUV, you can:
- Protect your car from ice, road salt, and dirt.
- Avoid costly repairs and safety hazards.
- Keep your vehicle looking like new.
Still not sure if it’s worth it to rustproof your car? Here are five benefits you’ll enjoy when you invest in rust protection for your vehicle. And if you’re not familiar with the rustproofing process, no worries! We’ll walk you through the basics.
1. Easily protect your vehicle with a clear, drip-free spray.
So what is rustproofing? Well, it involves applying protective waxes or other coatings on areas of your car’s exterior that are likely to corrode. Your vehicle’s fenders, hood, and undercarriage are just a few places that are susceptible to rust, as they’re exposed to water from precipitation and melting snow. But a rustproofing spray (or another type of application) 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, drip-free application because it hardens after being sprayed, creating a seal to keep out moisture. Drip-free 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 winter’s elements. But even cars in garages are prone to corrosion. 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).
But 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).
Rustproofing works best for new vehicles, since the sooner you can treat your car, the more protected it’ll be against corrosion. But used cars can benefit, too — and that’s even true if your vehicle’s already starting to rust.
3. Drive without worrying about snow, ice, and road salt.
If you’re able to rustproof your car before the first snowfall, then you can get maximum protection against moisture, dirt, and road salt. Then, when snow and ice melts, you won’t have to worry about water getting into those vehicle spots and crevices that rust easily.
But you can still get a treatment during the winter to prevent corrosion, combat existing rust, or keep further car damage from happening. You just might have to deal with more salt, dirt, and grime removal in the middle of winter (versus before snow and ice is on the road or your driveway). But as long as you’ve thoroughly cleaned your car — and especially the undercarriage — before rustproofing it, you (or a professional) can still protect the vehicle and get rid of rust with a drip-free spray.
Just remember: Any protection against rust (even a mid-winter application) is better than nothing! Then, you’ll be able to get behind the wheel with the confidence that comes from knowing your car is safe from corrosion.
4. Have a professional take the hard work off your plate.
Rustproofing requires having a lot of materials and extra time on your hands. While it’s still worth it to rustproof your car, you may decide that having an expert treat your vehicle will save you time and hassle.
At first, many drivers object to bringing their car in because of the price. But when you compare the cost of repairing or replacing a rust-damaged vehicle to the cost of a quality service, professional rustproofing makes a lot more sense. And you’ll end up saving money that you would’ve spent gathering those supplies for a DIY application.
5. Make your vehicle look amazing and last longer.
If you’d like to own your vehicle for a long time — or if you plan on selling it soon — rustproofing your car will make it last for years and give it more curb appeal. That’ll increase its resale value if you ever decide to sell your car. And a vehicle without rust just looks better!
Whether you rustproof your entire car or just its underbody, you’ll enjoy year-round protection and a beautiful, rust-free exterior, no matter the weather.
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
As you can see, it’s definitely worth it to rustproof your car! You can protect your vehicle (old or new) and keep it looking great for months (or even years) to come.
If you don’t want to rustproof your car yourself, you can ask a professional to take care of it! You’ll save time and hassle — and drive away in a vehicle that’s safe from the elements.
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!
