giving up on your old reliable vehicle

Faqs About Protecting Your Car From Rust

11 August 2016

Glen Soto

Rust can lower the value of your car and cause damage that impacts how it operates. Most car owners know that protecting their cars from rust is important, but are not clear on how to do so. If you are worried that rust is going to damage your car, here is what you need to know. 

What Causes Rust?

Rust occurs when metal is exposed to salt or water for extended periods of time. It usually appears as a small blemish and grows from there. The rust can appear anywhere on your car, but it is more likely to show up around your wheels, engine, and frame. 

Where you live has a major impact on how likely your car is to rust. For instance, if you live in an area that has a lot of rain or snow, your car is more likely to rust than someone who lives in a drier climate. Regardless of the climate in which you live, it is important that you take steps to protect your car. 

What Can You Do?

Early detection is important when it comes to dealing with rust. One of the best ways to find rust in its earliest stages is to wash it on a regular basis. While washing the car, pay close attention to the areas that are more vulnerable to rusting. 

Since rust can also occur because of exposure to salt, take the time to wash the underbelly of your car. This is particularly important if you live in an area that receives large amounts of snow. City maintenance crews routinely rely on salt to help clear the roadways of snow. If you are traveling on those roads, it is possible that you have a large accumulation of salt sticking to your car. 

Even if it is warm outside, take the time to dry off your car. Leaving the car to air dry means unnecessary exposure to moisture. 

As an added measure of protection, consider having a rust proofing treatment applied to your car. To apply the treatment, a professional uses a low pressure sprayer or compressor fed spray gun to apply a chemical compound that is designed to penetrate the seams of your car and provide protection from rust. 

To determine if a rust proofing treatment is right for your car, talk to a professional. He or she can evaluate your car's current condition and help identify other ways you can protect your car from rust. 

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