Rustproofing and other solutions to prevent rust on your car
Thinking of taking matters into your own hands to protect your vehicle? A smart approach. There are very simple ways to prevent damage and, when the damage is done, to repair it. Follow the guide!
What causes corrosion?
In winter, the small pebbles (gravel) in the road ricochet off vehicles, and the salt used as an abrasive sets in. This “cocktail” creates the perfect conditions for rust; as soon as the metal is exposed, the process of oxidation kicks in! In the long run, this assault shortens the vehicle’s useful life and drastically reduces its value.
And don’t expect a solution under warranty: automakers don’t cover this type of rust, since the problem is not the result of a manufacturing defect.
How to prevent rust on your car
- Have a rustproofing treatment applied – The treatment won’t do anything about gravel, but it will protect your car from being ravaged by salt. It’s an investment that pays off if you intend to keep your car for a long time. Costs vary according to the type of treatment: permanent rustproofing, drip oil spray, dripless oil spray, or tar-based spray. CAA-Quebec’s Mobility Advisory Services can help you choose the right product, or refer you to a specialized workshop.
- Apply a protective sealant – It seals paint defects and fills any small holes caused by impacts. It prevents rust from settling in, while protecting your vehicle from dirt and fading caused by UV rays. Lasting from 6 to 8 months, the sealant is much more effective than wax, which only remains on the surface.
- Slow down – You’ll reduce the impact of abrasives on the bodywork and windshield. On top of that, you’ll save on fuel!
- Keep a safe distance – Following vehicles less closely will help you reduce the impact and frequency of splashes.
- Install mudguards – These low-cost fittings help prevent road spray from damaging your car’s underbody.
- Wash your car often (weather permitting) – This will rid it of salt and grime. Areas such as the edges of the fenders should be washed thoroughly with a strong jet of water. Watch our video clip: Laver l’extérieur de sa voiture de la bonne manière (Properly washing your car’s exterior). (Available in French only)
- Apply clear plastic tape at strategic locations – Over time, however, this strip can yellow, which is hardly desirable with lighter colours. In such cases, the tape needs to be changed more frequently. This task should be left to specialists who can remove the tape without damaging the paintwork.
- Install a grille guard if necessary – It protects the front of the hood from the effects of gravel on the car (which can cause flaking).
On the other hand, sand, salt and dust can work their way between the grille guard and the paintwork, scratching or tarnishing it. This inconvenience can be averted by washing the grille guard (along with the car) once or twice a month, especially in winter.
How to stop the rust on your vehicle
Have all those kilometres travelled left marks on your vehicle’s bodywork? Here’s how to repair them effectively, step by step.
To do spot repairs to the paint yourself, you’ll need primer (ideally) along with a small quantity of paint identical that of your vehicle; you can probably purchase some from your dealership. Otherwise, you can buy a spray can of paint from a specialized retailer, to perfectly match the colour code for your make and model.
Paint chipping – Start by cleaning the chipped area using a solvent designed for this purpose. If you can’t find any, use water and wax-free soap. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.
Check to see if the original primer is intact. Shake the container of paint well, remove the applicator, and wipe any excess paint from the brush onto it.
Using the brush, touch up the spot, covering any visible primer. Warning: If you wait too long to repair the paint, you will probably see areas of rust or blistering paint start to appear.
Scratches – To improve the appearance of scratched paint, first buy some rubbing compound, which is a gentle abrasive that comes in paste or liquid form.
If you are using an electric buffer, it’s best to use liquid compound (which, incidentally, can be used to polish the entire paint job, not just scratched areas).
If you are polishing by hand, use the paste type of compound, following the instructions provided on the packaging (the basic rule is to polish using a circular motion).
Finish up by waxing the vehicle. Hint: coloured waxes do a better job of hiding scratches.
Blistering – A blister or bubble in the paint means there is rust underneath. Remove the paint using a razor blade or small knife. Then use a screwdriver or blade to scrape the rust off. The metal must be completely bare, free of all rust.
Clean the area to be treated, then apply primer using a small brush or a toothpick and allow to dry. Shake the container of paint well, and apply a sufficient quantity of paint to cover all of the primer, avoiding any of the original paint.
Large areas of rust – You can use the same technique as for blistered paint, on a larger scale, or try the somewhat more complicated method of removing the rust using a sanding disc mounted onto an electric drill (use coarse-grit sandpaper for this stage).
Next, sand the surface using No. 320-grit wet sandpaper to smooth out the damaged surface. Run your hand over the sanded area to detect any imperfections, and then sand again as needed.
Use metal conditioner to clean the metal and improve adhesion of the primer and paint. Mask all areas where the old paint is intact and you don’t want new paint to go.
A tip for spot-painting a small area: cut a hole about the size of a quarter in a piece of cardboard, then spray-paint through the hole, holding the cardboard about four centimetres above the spot to be painted.
To paint over a larger area, spray the primer, and then the paint, from about 25 centimetres away. Keep the spray can moving, sweeping back and forth; work from the top down to prevent dripping. Don’t try to cover everything at once: several light coats will give the best result.
Don’t help rust do its nefarious job on your car!
When it comes to prevention as well as repairs, you don’t want to let rust ruin your vehicle!
Fixing damage to the paint on your car yourself is better than doing nothing at all. But know your limits: do-it-yourself touch-ups likely won’t blend well, and if you’re a perfectionist by nature, you’ll find those little defects annoying. In this case, the best is to consult a specialist. CAA-Quebec’s Approved Auto Repair Services network includes vehicle body shops and detailing centres. Benefit from their expertise!
