Advice from experienced car owners on methods and means of protecting a car from rust

Rust is merciless. All cars without exception are susceptible to it. Therefore, every vehicle owner should know how to protect it from corrosion.

The article will discuss the most reliable and effective methods of protecting and preventing a car from rust.

Is it possible to protect a car from corrosion?

A car can and should be protected from rust. This is a “disease” that must be treated so that it does not lead to the destruction of the metal.

The main factors causing corrosion are water and oxygen. The cheaper and poorer the quality of the paintwork, the higher the likelihood of “saffron milk caps” appearing.

Promote the formation of oxides:

• mechanical damage,
• industrial emissions,
• reagents that are used to sprinkle roads.

To protect a car from corrosion, it is necessary to minimize the harmful effects of environmental factors on the car.

General recommendations

To prevent rust from occurring, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Keep your car clean. It is unacceptable to put it in the garage for several days if it is covered with a thick layer of dirt. The more often this happens, the faster the car will begin to “bloom.”
2. Dry the car properly after washing. If you drive a damp car into an unventilated area, rust will not take long to appear.
3. The car needs to be inspected regularly, both inside and out. It's easier to get rid of a small stain than to repaint the entire body.Be sure to inspect the car from below every time you put it on a lift.
4. Preventive treatment using anticorrosives should be carried out at least once every 3-5 years.

The best ways to fight

Many drivers believe that expensive cars are covered with a high-quality anti-corrosion coating, so they are not afraid of rust. Actually this is not true. Owners of both premium and budget cars should take care of vehicle protection.

Here are the 4 most effective ways to protect against rust:

1. Application of anti-corrosion coating. Various modern compounds designed to protect metal from rust act as anticorrosion agents.

   They work very simply: after they are applied, a protective film is formed on the surface of the car, which protects it from various damages and prevents it from rusting.

   Anti-corrosion treatment must be carried out at least once every 3 years. The bottom of the car needs special protection. Before processing it, you need to remove rust if it has already formed.

2. Electrochemical or cathodic. This method is practiced when it is necessary to protect hard-to-reach places from rust. It is based on processing auto parts with a zinc plate or tip. In order for metal ions to move to the surface in need of protection, a voltage difference must be created.

   To do this, the zinc plate is connected to the “+” of the battery, and the body or other element is connected to the “-”. Processing is carried out slowly and systematically. The formed barrier will help protect the metal from corrosion.This method allows you to save money on paying for specialized services involved in applying anti-corrosion coating.

3. Mechanical. This method is not the main one, since the entire car cannot be placed in a rubber or plastic case. However, particularly vulnerable areas can be protected. For example, plastic fender liners are installed in the wheel arches. There is specialized protection for sills, bottom, hood and other elements.
4. Lamination. This method can be classified as mechanical methods of protection. It comes down to applying a thin, durable film to the body and hinged panels of the car. It is durable and highly resistant to moisture and chemicals.

Top 3 best anticorrosive agents for cars

In stores for motorists there are at least 3-5 types of anti-corrosion compounds. They are also often ordered from large online markets. You can find more than a hundred items on the market, but the following anticorrosion agents are in high demand among drivers:

1. Anticorrosive Rust Stop. This composition is based on oil. The product is intended for treating hidden car cavities. Aerosol and liquid for brush application are available.

   According to the manufacturer, the surface does not require preliminary preparation, that is, the anticorrosive agent can be applied directly to rust, to uncleaned metal. The price of the aerosol is 1050 rubles.

2. Anticorrosive HB BODY 930. This composition is used to treat the bottom. The liquid is black. It is based on bitumen and rubber. It is poured into enamel jars. Apply it with a brush. The main advantage of this product is high adhesion. The cost of a package weighing 1 kg is 450 rubles.
3. Anti-corrosion rubber-bitumen coating RUNWAY. This is a universal composition that contains rubber, titanium dioxide, acrylic resin, xylene, paraffin and other components that provide reliable protection of the car from rust. It can be used to treat the bottom, sills and body of the vehicle. Anticorrosive agent is available in the form of a spray. The price for a 450 ml can is 250 rubles.

Regardless of the product you choose, you should read the instructions before using it for the first time. Processing can be carried out either independently or in specialized services.

Helpful information

Despite the fact that most anticorrosion manufacturers indicate that the car does not need pre-treatment before applying the composition, professionals do not advise doing so.

Tips for protecting your car from rust:

1. If there are small chips or scratches on the car, they must be painted over immediately. Sometimes one night in a damp garage is enough for the damaged area to rust.
2. When choosing a car wash, you need to give preference to professional organizations that use high-quality shampoos, do not leave them on the body for more than a few minutes, and are also equipped with specialized equipment.
3. When wiping your car, you can only use clean napkins and rags that will not leave small scratches.
4. If possible, avoid off-road driving.

You can learn about methods and techniques for removing rust from a car. Here.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to protect your car body from rust and corrosion:

Conclusion

You can prevent the appearance of rust on your car. You need to start with the basic rules: wash your car more often, dry it completely, park it in a covered parking lot, and repair all scratches and cracks in a timely manner.

It would be a good idea to take additional protective measures.: lamination, coating with anti-corrosion compounds, mechanical processing.