Anti-corrosion treatment of the body of a modern car
Content
Corrosion is a car's worst enemy. Engineers are doing a lot of work to improve the body structure: reducing the number of welding points and ensuring maximum precision in the fit of body parts. A separate topic is hidden cavities. Water and reagents should not accumulate in them. But it is difficult to ensure absolute tightness, so natural ventilation is provided in hidden cavities.
Anti-corrosion materials are also being improved. After welding, the car body is dipped into a special bath. Some manufacturers use a zinc-based composition - this is the most durable option. Others practice cataphoretic priming of the body: after passing through the bath, a strong phosphate film is formed on the metal. Additionally, in places subject to corrosion, the so-called cold galvanizing is carried out: the parts are coated with a special zinc powder.
But the factory anti-corrosion treatment is not limited to this. A special mastic is applied to the bottom to protect against chipping. Plastic fender liners are installed in the wheel arches or an anti-gravel coating is applied. The body is painted, and many cars have additional varnish applied. The condition of the body depends on operating conditions, but on average, on a modern car, in the absence of mechanical damage, no corrosion occurs within three years.
Warranty obligations
For most new cars, the manufacturer gives a three-year warranty on the integrity of the paintwork and a 7-12-year warranty against rust through. Warranties do not apply to cases where corrosion is associated with damage to the paintwork.
Hazardous areas
The following car parts are most susceptible to rust:
- the front edge of the hood - pebbles fall into it and chips occur;
- thresholds - they are close to the ground, mechanical damage is possible;
- front doors, rear fenders and trunk lid lip. As a rule, rust in these places begins in hidden cavities;
- exhaust system, since the oxidation reaction is faster on hot metal.
Additional processing
Not all cars are equipped with front and rear "mudguards" as standard. They are inexpensive, but have an important function: they protect the thresholds and the body from pebbles flying from the wheels. If they are not included in the vehicle, it is worth ordering at the FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies dealership.
The edge of the hood is covered with a special anti-gravel film. It is preferable to plastic protection, popularly called a "fly swatter", because reagents and moisture accumulate under the plastic, which creates all the conditions for corrosion.
To protect the exhaust system, as a rule, a special thermal varnish is used.
The car body can be treated with a protective polish. There are different preparations: the simplest wax ones “live” 1-3 washes, and professional ceramic ones - up to a year and a half.
Employees of the FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies are well aware of all the nuances of the construction of cars of specialized brands and will suggest the best option for additional bodywork.
Prevention
Practice shows that a clean car lives longer. The fact is that a "greenhouse effect" is created under a layer of dirt, which can lead to damage to the paintwork, and subsequently to corrosion. Therefore, as the car becomes dirty, it is worth visiting car washes, and in the autumn-winter period it is advisable to wash the wheel arches and the bottom of the car.
Even minor accidents reduce the anti-corrosion resistance of the car. When repairing, it is necessary to completely restore the damaged parts and treat them with special preparations.
It is also recommended to periodically carry out preventive inspection, and if damage to the anti-corrosion coating is detected, immediately eliminate them. This can be done during scheduled maintenance at FAVORIT MOTORS Group technical centers.
