5 Tips to Prevent Rust
Rust has a reputation of being an inevitability. But, with a little care, you can prevent rust for years to come. Oxygen, moisture, and road salt are the main culprits—especially in winter weather. But with these five proactive steps, you’ll be fighting rust and preventing it from taking hold!
1. Wash Thoroughly
Road salt, dirt, and grime don’t just dirty your floor mats and dash, they eat away at your painted metal. A regular wash, especially during the winter, removes those corrosive materials before they cause damage. Don’t forget to wash prime hiding spots, such as the undercarriage, wheel wells, and frame members, for early corrosion.
Your vehicle’s factory paint offers a good first line of defence, but it’s not invincible. Over time, contaminants can eat away at the surface. A regular, full body wash helps remove what’s sitting on top of your paint and what works its way underneath.
2. Polish and Wax
After a good wash, a coat of wax adds a protective layer that shields your paint from moisture and road debris. Even better, it makes the next wash easier.
You’ve cleaned off the dirt. Now reinforce your shield. Polishing smooths the surface by removing embedded particles. Wax then lays down a layer between the elements and your paint. Focus on vulnerable zones like the grill, the front corners, and the fenders.
3. Apply Under Coating and Treatments
Sometimes the factory coating protection isn’t enough. That’s where undercoating comes in. This treatment, applied to the underside, inner panels, and hollow frame sections, will add a secondary barrier. Schedule these treatments before brutal weather shifts, preferably in a warm space. Having treatments done prior to winter helps keep road salt from sticking and eating away at your vehicle’s frame.
4. Keep Drains and Water Paths Clear
Standing water is rust’s best friend. Many vehicles have drainage channels around sunroofs, doors, and other trim pieces. Over time, debris, such as leaves, dirt, and dust, will clog them. Blocked drains trap moisture in these vulnerable bits of metal, causing them to rust.
During service visits, ask your technician to check and clear these areas to make sure water can flow freely. You can clear many blockages on your own with compressed air or a small wire pipe. However, be careful to not damage any of the surround metal and rubber components.
5. Take Care of Chips and Scratches Immediately
Even with lines of defence, tiny paint chips and scratches happen (often where pebbles will strike.) Act fast. If bare metal shows, rust can start within days. Here are the basic repair steps a technician will take:
- Remove any loose paint or rust.
- Clean the area.
- Apply touch up paint (or primer + paint) to match your car’s colour.
- Protect the area with a clear coat or wax to seal it.
For serious corrosion or bubbling paint, more extensive work, such as sanding, rust converter, and repainting, may be required. As with many aspects of car maintenance, having the small spot treated will cost less than having a panel replaced.
Rust Prevention
Rust prevention is all about being proactive. Regular washes, professional treatments, and quick attention to minor damage go a long way. Questions about rust-proofing services? Visit your local NAPA AUTOPRO shop, where our expert technicians will help you protect your investment and keep your vehicle on the road longer.