A brand new car, with its sharp lines, sleek design and perfect paint job, can truly be a thing of beauty, a work of art. In addition, it can be a significant investment. So how can you protect your vehicle, whether old or new, from rust?
It is important to remember that all vehicles have certain components that are made out of steel. As such, all vehicles are susceptible to rust. While there are processes used in the steel industry to make the metal more resistant to rust, by no means is this guaranteed to prevent the problem. Depending on where you live, and the conditions in which you drive, the chances of developing rust may be significantly increased.
One big factor that contributes to the development of rust is salt. If you live near the ocean, for example, the high salt content of the humid air can hasten the development of rust. Even if you live far away from the ocean, however, salt can still be a factor. In many colder climates, salt is used in winter to help melt the snow and keep roads clear. As a result, as you drive over salt-coated roads, the underside of your vehicle is exposed to large quantities of salt and can start to develop rust.
The first step at keeping rust away, is to regularly wash your vehicle. Especially if you live near the ocean, or where salt is routinely used during the winter, the importance of washing your car cannot be overstated. The longer the salt sits in contact with the vehicle's metal, the greater the chance that rust will develop. When washing your vehicle, it is especially important to wash the underside to thoroughly clean the frame. This may involve taking it to a car wash that specifically offers undercarriage and steam cleaning. On the other hand, if you manually wash your vehicle, be sure to take a few minutes to spray the undercarriage. Remember that there are many nooks and crannies on the underside of your car, which may require several passes to fully flush out the salt.
The second step is to routinely inspect your vehicle for the early signs of rust. Look for bubbles on the paint, especially in areas of the body that are low to the ground. This could indicate that rust is developing underneath the paint. It is also important to check the frame, engine, trunk compartment and the exhaust system. All of these areas are more susceptible to rust due to their ability to retain salt and moisture.
If you see that rust is starting to develop, act quickly! The longer it is left alone, the more damage it will do. If it is treated quickly, however, rust can usually be eliminated before much damage is done. There are many do-it-yourself treatment options available from auto parts stores and body shops. If you are comfortable working on your vehicle, one of these options may suit you. On the other hand, if you are not comfortable tackling this problem alone, you may want to take your vehicle to a reputable body shop to have the issue addressed.
