How to protect your car from rust
Rust on the body is alarming and frustrating for any car owner. This is because the characteristic “red” plaque is a sign of metal destruction or corrosion. The appearance of rust is associated with electrochemical or chemical interaction with the external environment, namely with moisture, oxygen and aggressive chemicals. The corrosion process can cover only some parts, or expose the boundaries of some elements to destruction as a result of the so-called intergranular corrosion. Unfortunately, often oxidation can evenly cover the entire surface of the body. How to protect the car from external influences? And what if the rust has already appeared? We will tell you in this article.
Body vulnerabilities
The reason for the occurrence of a chemical oxidation reaction, most often, is poor-quality paintwork and mechanical damage to the outer protective layer. At the same time, seams, joints of body parts, parts of the exhaust system and transmission elements are most susceptible to corrosion. In addition, rust appears in poorly ventilated areas – under the wheel arches and in various cavities.
It should be borne in mind that temperature drops, strong vibration and high concentration of gases in the atmosphere only accelerate the destruction of the metal. Sand, technical salts, including calcium chloride, contained in modern de-icing agents, have a detrimental effect on chrome-plated parts. Depending on the location of this or that element, its destruction can occur a little slower or, conversely, faster.
How to protect the body from corrosion
There are several effective methods to prevent the corrosion process. They all fall into two large groups:
- Barrier, aimed at isolating metal from external influences;
- Protective, providing electrochemical protection.
The anti-corrosion coating helps to reliably protect the body from rust. During the treatment, a special mastic is applied to the bottom of the car and other “weak” places, which may include bitumen, resin, wax or other synthetic substances. Such “anticorrosive” is able to protect the surfaces of the car for a long time, which inevitably get sharp stones and fine sand. It is recommended to repeat the procedure every 2-3 years. It is important that the surface to be treated is thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying the product.
According to the rules, anti-corrosion treatment starts with the upper elements, such as the underhood space and the luggage compartment, and ends with sills, door cavities, wheel arches and underbody. In this case, the upper layer of the paintwork of the machine is not processed.
Electrochemical or cathodic protection is no less popular. This method is designed to protect the hard-to-reach areas of the car from rust. During processing, the car body acts as a cathode, a contact with a minus sign, and a zinc plate is used as an anode, or a positive contact. When a low current is applied to the circuit, a special electrochemical reaction occurs, as a result of which the body receives protection from corrosion. This method, which is economical in all respects, provides effective protection even for damaged surfaces with chips and scratches.
To provide additional measures to prevent the “aging” of the metal, other methods of protecting cars from corrosion are also used. So the mechanical protection of the body helps to protect the car from corrosion. Plastic wheel arches installed in the wheel arches, as well as special linings for the hood, bottom, sills, pillars and other parts prone to rust, save the car from external influences.
An efficient body lamination method helps protect your car’s paintwork from chips and scratches. A dense polymer film is glued to the entire body and attachments. The material used for a long time does not allow water and aggressive chemicals to destroy the paint layer and the metal structure.
Every car owner knows that minor damage is inevitable during vehicle operation. To prevent the corrosion process from spreading over the entire surface of the body, it is worth regularly washing the car with professional means and touching up the places of chips and peeling of the paintwork. It is important to protect the car from macro cracks that can provoke the corrosion process.
Whatever may the make or model of your vehicle be, we do not make any issue regarding that. As long as you sell us a vehicle, we will be happy enough to pay cash for cars. Also, to authenticate the transaction and render you completely hassle-free, we will provide you with a receipt.
