Rusting is a complicated electrochemical process that no car is safe from. That doesn’t mean that your vehicle has to lose its aesthetic properties. With the right preparation, you can stop corrosion and rust from undermining the structural and physical integrity of your vehicle. Here are some essential tips –
Address Early Symptoms of Rust
Rust, much like viruses start small but rapidly multiply. If you spot even an inch of rust on your car, address it immediately to prevent future irreparable damage. Most Australian automotive industry stores sell rust repair kits. These kits are only useful in dealing with minor rust. These kits can be used to create a perimeter around the rusted area. Then, the rusted area has to be applied with a replacement primer. In case you have a much worse rust situation, brush the rusted areas with sandpaper. Once all of the rust is brushed off, you will need to apply primer to the area. Rust primers are incredibly efficient in treating heavily rusted car exterior parts. The primer penetrates the rust to create a blank surface on which touch up paints can be applied. Clean off the primer with mineral spirits. Allow the affected region to dry off completely. Get a touch-up paint that matches your car’s colour and apply it carefully on the rusted area. Lastly, get an automotive clear coat and apply it correctly to completely secure that affected region from future rusting.
Regular Car Washes
The most basic way to avoid or stop the spread of corrosion is to give your car regular washes. Make sure to dry off the car once washed properly. Any little amount of moisture can have an electrochemical reaction with the car resulting in the growth of rust.
Use Anti-Rust Products
Most car manufacturers extensively apply multiple rust-protective layers to the car before making them available for sale. Phosphate conversion and zinc coatings are the best protective layers. If your car’s exterior does not already have these protective layers, get them applied from a vehicle detailing store. Anti-rust sprays are incredibly useful in getting rid of any dirt particles and loosening up rusty portions of the car. Available in most automotive shops, the waxy layer of these sprays clings on to the car’s exterior, protecting it from environmental damage for months.
Early prevention is the best way to stop your car from getting rust infested. Owners of new cars must always be on the lookout for rust symptoms and wash your car on a regular basis.
