How to Prevent Automotive Rust

Rust is the most frequent and common problem we come across while dealing with vehicles. A rusty automobile takes a long time for revive back and its life is shortened considerably. Once a part gets rusted, it is very difficult to stop the rust from spreading further. Here are some preventive measures you could take to ensure a longer life of your automobile.

It is very important to know what is rust and how is it caused. This knowledge definitely helps us to prevent its formation and hence enables us to protect our automobile. Rust is the oxidation of iron into iron oxide. When iron comes in contact with oxygen, it forms iron oxide, a reddish patch which can be seen on the surface of metal.

This causes the surface to roughen up and eventually wear out. Rust is like a disease, which affects the body of an automobile, over a period of time. Identify the spots most vulnerable to rust, and inspect those frequently.

The first and foremost step is to make sure that the automobile has a preventive coating applied on it. Silicon sprays and anti-rusting glues can be used for coating. But nowadays, every manufacturer has an integrated quality coating in the manufacturing process itself.

Therefore, when you purchase a vehicle or get it serviced, ensure the anti-abrasion coating is present and spread evenly over the entire surface. A slight bump or exposure to air will result in rusting of that surface over a period of time.

Keep your vehicle clean and shining. Make it a habit to wash the car regularly. People are generally careless about washing their automobiles in the winters, which may cause metal corrosion. Drain out all the water after each wash and wax the vehicle as often as you can. Waxing maintains the coat and prevents chipping or openings to show up on the vehicle. Cleanliness is the simplest and the most effective way to prevent rusting. The vehicle must always be clean and dry. Since dirt holds moisture, keep all the bottom holes and tires clean and shining.

Always check the underside of the car or any other vehicle you use. Rusting is a frequent occurrence in places where there is a snowfall or in the humid areas. Salt aids the process of rusting; specially during winters when salt is used to keep roads ice-free in cold places. It retains moisture and causes it to penetrate to the smallest and the most inaccessible parts of the vehicle. This results in a high oxidation rate which further increases with the temperature and causes it to wear out. Therefore, we should always focus on preventing the iron parts from being exposed to air or moisture.

Small chinks on the surface should be covered up by a light paint. A thin layer of nail-polish can serve as an anti-rust paint. Drain holes and exit pipes near the hood and the trunk must be regularly checked for blockages. Always clean these outlets thoroughly so that moisture dries up and rusting is prevented.

The coolant ratio in the cars should be maintained in the right proportion. If the radiator contains excess water, there are chances of the cooling system getting corroded. Ensure optimum utilization of the water used in any part of the vehicle.

Whenever a vehicle is covered, make sure there is a 'breathing' space available. Moisture from the ground should not be trapped inside the cover. Avoid parking in direct sunlight, as much as possible.

Wash the carpet and the upholstery and get rid of any remains of salt marks or dirt which can potentially corrode the interiors of the car, if exposed to air. Repeat this procedure frequently, especially during the monsoons. A lawn sprinkle can be used to remove the grime from the undercarriage. These are the most neglected parts of a vehicle but the ones most prone to rusting.

Once rusting occurs, it cannot be completely removed. However, proper measures can prevent it from spreading and causing any further damage. Prevention is the best way to deal with rusting.