How to Prevent Rust on a Car: 10 Essential Tips

October 21st, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Rust on a car is ugly and damages the entire car’s structure. If left untreated, rust will weaken the metal, cause it to crack over time, and lower the car’s resale value. It’s beneficial to learn how to prevent rust on a car. The longer you wait, the more damage the rust inflicts. 

What causes rust on cars, and what can you do to prevent it? We’ll address these questions so you can protect your car’s appearance. 

What Causes Rust on Cars? 

The first step in learning how to prevent rust on a car is understanding what causes it. Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs when iron, oxygen, water, and moisture combine. You can detect rust areas as blisters or reddish-brown spots on the car’s paint. 

When metal interacts with water or moisture, it generates a chemical reaction known as oxidation, which corrodes the metal and forms rust.

The extent to which rust damages a vehicle depends on several factors, including: 

• Climate: Cars driven in wetter climates are generally more prone to rust formation than in hot and drier climates. In colder environments, you’ll often find salt on the roads, which can seep into your vehicle’s undercarriage, causing rust. 
• Vehicle age:  Rust is more common on older cars that sit around and receive excessive exposure to the sun, dirt, and environmental pollutants. With age, the car’s protective coatings can deteriorate and cause corrosion.
• Materials: Cars lacking protective coatings are more vulnerable to rust because they don’t have protective elements shielding the exterior from moisture and oxygen. 

How to Prevent Rust on a Car: 10 Strategies 

While there’s no foolproof way to prevent rust from forming on your car, there are 10 precautions you can take that will help minimize the risk. 

1. Wash Your Car

Regular car washings are a sure way to prevent grime from trapping moisture, which causes rust to spread. Also, wax your car at least twice a year to prevent moisture from damaging the metal car components.

2. Cover Your Vehicle

If you have a garage, use it. Otherwise, use a car cover to protect its paint and limit the amount of external pollutants that cause rust. Don’t just select any car cover, though. Choose a cover that is secure enough to prevent moisture from damaging the exterior. 

3. Rinse During the Winter

Cold weather can inflict damage on your vehicle. For example, road salt is a common problem in the winter. Salt reacts with oxygen, creating iron oxide, intensifying the rusting process. Rinsing your car minimizes salt buildup.

4. Preserve the Paint

Paint provides a strong layer of protection. It shields the metal from the moisture buildup that leads to rust. However, paint is susceptible to scratches, dents, and chips. In fact, chipped paint can cause rust because it exposes the metal to harsh conditions like road salt and de-icing chemicals.  

If you notice your car’s paint showing signs of deteriorating, request a paint service with Fix Auto USA.

5. Clean the Interior 

An unattended beverage spill will sink through the carpet floor and contact the metal. When this happens, rust builds up. Cleaning the interior of your car can reduce rust. The best strategy is to use a microfiber cloth to clean up any spills before they seep through the carpet. 

6. Fix Scratches and Dents

Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches, nicks, or dents. If left untreated, these damages can intensify the rusting process by allowing moisture to get in.

If you spot a dent on the hood, fix it immediately before it damages the rest of the body.  

7. Clean Drain Holes

Drain holes allow water to drain from the vehicle frame. Look for the holes on the edge of your hood, the trunk, and at the bottom of your doors. Over time, debris such as dirt and moisture will clog these. Keeping the drain holes free of contaminants will prevent the accumulation of debris that causes rusting. 

8. Try Rust Converters

A rust converter is a specially formulated solution for iron and steel components. This product diminishes rust by converting iron oxide (which causes the rust) into a chemical barrier that you can paint over.

Warning: Follow the product instructions to avoid further damage to the exterior.

9. Apply an Underbody Protective Coating           

The underbody comprises exposed metal parts that come in contact with rust-forming chemicals. Protect the metal components from exposure with a coating solution.

Fortunately, plenty of coating products exist, including rubberized and asphalt-based solutions. The best product is the one that remains intact on the metal. 

10. Use Floor Mats

Upgrade your car’s interior with rubber floor mats if your area receives much rain. Standard mats can’t prevent moisture from passing through to the floor pans. Rubber floor mats will also prevent grime from damaging the carpet.

Let Fix Auto USA Preserve Your Car’s Look

If your goal is to maintain the value and appearance of your car, take your vehicle to Fix Auto USA. Our network of independently owned facilities features qualified personnel who can handle all car-related services. 

Maintain your car’s look by scheduling a Fix Auto USA appointment near you.         

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Long Beach, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop serving Long Beach and Southeast Los Angeles.