Rustproofing: Myth or Necessity? - April 20th, 2007
Just as the need for undercoating is a hotly debated topic among car owners so is the issue of rustproofing. The most prudent approach to the matter is to handle it case by case. Not everyone lives in conditions that will lead to corrosion nor does every driver intend to keep their vehicle long enough for rust to become an issue. Look at where you live, how you drive, how long you will need to keep your car, and whether or not you’ve had a history of rust issues with previous cars.
Chances are good that if you are buying a new car you do not need rustproofing. In fact, some aftermarket applications of rust-retarding materials will actually invalidate the vehicle’s existing rust warranty. If you have been driving your car for a number of years and don’t see a new ride in your futre or if you are buying a used car or restoring a vehicle, rustproofing may be in order.
The next major question is always, “Where do I need to rustproof?” The easy answer is “everywhere.” In broad terms this means:
- Under the hood including the sections of the body you can reach from that position.
- The front doors accessing the area through the drain holes.
- The rear doors using the same method.
- In the trunk even going so far as to pull up the lining and getting into the arch of the wheel and adjacent areas.
- The arches of the wheel wells.
- The underside.
If you are tackling rustproofing on your own, there are a few things to remember starting with the fact that the car must be totally dry. Also, choose a warm day. Most rustproofing products don’t work well in cold weather.
Begin the process by using a wire brush and getting the mud and dirt off the vehicle’s underside. When you are ready to apply the fluid don’t overspray. It’s really better to do this outside to control both the mess and the amount of fumes you will be inhaling. (Wearing a mask is a really good idea.) Also, the fumes may be flammable so the more ventilation the better.
Finally, try to keep the rustproofing fluid off of plastic surfaces or wipe them immediately and thoroughly if this is impossible. Some of the sprays will damage plastic if left on the surface too long.
Posted on April 20th, 2007 by Shorty
Filed under: general |
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