How to protect your car from rust

Rust on a vehicle not only looks unsightly, but also reduces the value of the vehicle when sold or traded for a new vehicle. Once in place, rust corrodes the surrounding metal. Over time, rust spots...

Rust on a vehicle not only looks unsightly, but also reduces the value of the vehicle when sold or traded for a new vehicle.

Once in place, rust corrodes the surrounding metal. Over time, the rust spot gets bigger and bigger, and depending on where it is located, can cause serious cosmetic and even mechanical problems to your car.

Once a car starts to rust, damage can spread quickly, so preventing it from happening is paramount. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your car from rust.

Part 1 of 4: Wash your car regularly

One of the main causes of rust is the salts and other chemicals on the roads that get on cars in cold weather. Dirt and other debris can also damage your vehicle and cause rust to form.

• Functions: If you live near the ocean or in an area with winter weather, wash your car regularly. Salt from the ocean or roads contributes to the formation and spread of rust.

Necessary materials

• Bucket
• car wax
• Detergent (and water)
• garden hose
• Microfiber towels

Step 1: Wash your car regularly. Wash your car at a car wash or wash it by hand at least once every two weeks.

Step 2: Rinse off the salt. Wash your car once a week during the winter when the roads are salted to prepare for harsh weather days.

• Functions: regular washing of the car prevents salt from corroding the car paintwork and corroding the metal under the bottom.

Step 3: Keep your car's drain plugs clean. Check your car's drain plugs and make sure they are not clogged with leaves or other dirt and debris. Clogged drain plugs allow water to collect and cause rust.

• Functions: These drain plugs are usually located on the edges of the hood and trunk, as well as on the bottom of the doors.

Step 4: Wax Your Car. Wax your car at least once a month. The wax provides a seal to help prevent water from entering the car.

Step 5: Clean Up Any Spills. Wipe up any spills inside the car, which can also lead to rust. The longer you leave a spill, the harder it is to clean up.

• Functions: Make sure the inside of the car is completely dry every time it gets wet. You can also speed up the drying process by using a microfiber towel to remove most of the moisture before letting the rest air dry.

Part 2 of 4: Use Rust Prevention Products

Necessary materials

• Anti-corrosion spray such as Jigaloo, Cosmoline Weathershed, or Eastwood Rust Control Spray.
• Bucket
• Detergent and water
• garden hose

• Microfiber towels

• Functions: In addition to washing your car regularly, you can pre-treat it to prevent rust. This must be done by the manufacturer when you first purchase the car. Another option is to treat suspicious areas with an anti-rust spray every time you wash your car.

Step 1: Inspect for rust. Inspect your car regularly and check it for rust.

Look for chipped paint or areas that look like bubbles in the paint. These areas are a sign that rust has begun to eat away at the part of the car right under the paint.

• FunctionsA: You will most commonly see rust or paint blistering around the windows, along the wheel arches, and around the fenders of the car.

Step 2: Clean the affected area. Clean the area around bubbles or chipped paint. Let the car dry.

Step 3: Protect your car from rust. Apply a rust preventive spray to your car to prevent rust before it starts.

• Functions: Ask the manufacturer to apply an anti-corrosion coating before purchasing the vehicle. It will cost more but will help your car last longer.
• FunctionsA: If you're considering buying a used car, have a certified mechanic inspect the car and check it for rust before buying.

Part 3 of 4: Wipe down car surfaces

Required material

• Microfiber towels

In addition to cleaning and sanitizing the outside of your car, you should also wipe down the surfaces of your car when they get wet. This can prevent the formation of oxidation, which is the first step in the development of rust on your car body.

Step 1: Wipe wet surfaces. Use a clean cloth to wipe surfaces when they become wet.

• Functions: Even a car stored in a garage should be wiped down if it has been exposed to rain or snow before parking.

Step 2: Use Wax or Varnish. You can also use wax, grease, or varnish to keep water out of the car body.

Part 4 of 4: Treating Rust Spots Early

Rust spreads if left untreated, so deal with it at the first sign. You should also consider derusting rusted body parts or replacing them entirely. This can completely prevent rust from spreading when it is removed from your vehicle.

Necessary materials

• Primer
• Touch-up paint
• Artist's ribbon
• Rust repair kit on eBay or Amazon
• Sandpaper (grit 180, 320 and 400)

Step 1: Rust Removal. Remove rust from your car with a rust repair kit.

• Attention: The rust removal kit only works if the rust is slight.

Step 2: Use Sandpaper. You can also use sandpaper to sand down the rusty area. Start sanding with the coarsest grit sandpaper and work your way up to the finest.

• Functions: You can start with 180 grit sandpaper, then 320 grit sandpaper, and then 400 grit sandpaper, because 180 grit sandpaper is coarser than 400 grit sandpaper.

• Functions: Make sure the sandpaper has the correct grit to avoid deep scratches.

Step 3: Prepare the surface with a primer.. After you have removed the rust by sanding, apply a primer to the area. Be sure to let it dry completely.

Step 4: Repaint. Apply touch-up paint to cover the treated area and match it to the body color.

• Functions: If this is a large area or close to trim or glass, be sure to tape and tape the surrounding areas to avoid getting paint on those areas.

• Functions: You also need to reapply the clear coat after the paint is completely dry.

If the area affected by rust is very small, you can repair it yourself. If rust has eaten into the metal or if the damage is extensive, you need to seek professional help. Take your rust-damaged car to a professional auto repair shop for advice on how best to deal with rust damage.