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Tips to Avoid Rust on your car.

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Wash your car

The easiest way to prevent rust on your vehicle is to simply wash your car regularly. Vehicles can easily develop rust because mud, water, and soil accumulate on the body and undercarriage, which can lead to corrosion. Most vehicle parts, like the chassis, body panels, and doors, are made of iron. When mud and water stick to these parts, they promote rust, which can ultimately destroy your vehicle over time. Washing your car at least once a week is recommended, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain, snow, or mud, as these conditions increase the risk of rust.

To wash your car effectively, you can use a small pressure pump to increase the water flow, which helps remove stubborn mud and soil. You may also use a car washing solution for better results. This practice will protect your vehicle from rust. Be sure to wash the underbody of the car as well, as it’s especially vulnerable to rust buildup.

Wax your car

Another way to prevent rust on your car is by applying wax to its paint, which adds an extra layer of protection. You don’t need to wax the car every week, but after washing it once or twice a year, I recommend applying wax twice annually for optimal protection against potential rust.

Here are some tips for applying wax to your car:

  1. Apply Wax in a Cool, Shaded Area: For best results, apply wax inside a garage. If you don’t have a garage, work in the shade, away from direct sunlight, as you need to apply the wax to a cool surface.
  2. Use pH-Neutral Car Soap: When washing your car, use a pH-neutral car soap, as this will help extend the life of the wax. After washing, you can apply a quick detailer spray on a wet or dry surface to increase gloss and add a bit more protection.
  3. Apply a Thin Layer of Wax: Use the thinnest possible layer of wax—applying too much can make removal difficult and waste product.
  4. Consider a Base Layer of Paint Sealant: Before applying wax, if you apply a base layer of paint sealant, you can achieve durability lasting 5 to 6 months with this method.

Getting rust proof

Getting rust-proofing done is also a good solution. There are two main ways to do this. The first option is traditional rust-proofing, which involves spraying the interior of your door panels and the underbody of your car. An easy DIY method is to spray some oil (engine oil), especially on the underbody of your vehicle. Alternatively, you can opt for a newer type of rust-proofing that uses electronic rust protection modules.

Electronic modules

This system consists of an electronic box installed under the car’s hood, which sends an electrical current across the entire vehicle. The concept is largely borrowed from the naval industry, where it’s used to protect ships. The theory is that the electrical current from this box prevents the chemical reaction between oxygen and metal, thereby stopping rust from forming on your car.

Undercoating

Coatings come in a few different forms. Some are long-term products that only need to be applied once to the car, while others are short-term products that require regular application.

Fix rust already have in your vehicle

You should check if your car already has rust, as it can appear inside body panels, on the floorboard, and underneath the car. If you find rust in any area, it’s essential to fix it as soon as possible. Rust spreads quickly, so as soon as you notice it, take action. While repairs might seem expensive, waiting another year or two could lead to needing a complete replacement of affected body panels. If rust spreads to structural components like the chassis, the repairs will be far more costly. For this reason, as soon as you spot rust on your car, have it fixed right away. Make sure to thoroughly check all areas for rust and address any issues immediately.