5 Ways to Prevent Rust on Your Car

Car manufacturers have invested heavily in the use of new and improved materials to help reduce the risk of damage to your car from rust. Where decades ago rust was a very common problem, modern cars are rather more resilient, but if you drive an older car, or if you want to keep your new car in great condition for as long as possible, then you should never ignore the threat of rust. The good news is that there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent rust on your car. Here are five of them from Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville.

Protect the Undercarriage

Your car's undercarriage is very vulnerable to damage, and there are a number of critical mechanical components to protect. As the undercarriage is not something most drivers ever really look at, it is easy to neglect it. This could be a costly mistake. Invest in an undercarriage sealant to help protect mechanical parts from damage. There are a number of products that you can apply yourself, but working on the undercarriage is potentially dangerous if you are not properly equipped, so you may want to ask our service department for help.

Check Your Paint Job

Rust is a problem that gets progressively worse, and the longer you leave a rust problem, the harder and more expensive it will be to fix. Learn about the parts of your car that are the most vulnerable. Paint work is constantly exposed to the elements, and the early signs of rust appear as bumps and lumps under the paint work. Treat these areas promptly. There are a variety of ways to do this. Removing the affected metal is one possibility. Rust convertors halt the rusting process, but may not always be effective. Talk to our service department if you spot the early signs of rust and need further advice.

Use a Rust Preventative

There are a variety of rust preventative products available to consumers, many of which can easily be applied at home. A rust preventative can, for example, be sprayed onto or into a part of the car that is otherwise very difficult to access. This will help slow down the formation of any rust, and will also halt the spread of existing rust. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions closely when using these products.

Wax On, Wax Off

Look after your paint work to ensure that it stays in great condition. This is not just about cleaning and polishing the paint work. Over time, your paint work will wear and become more susceptible to rust if you are unable to protect the finish. A wax layer, with sealant, adds an additional physical barrier between the paint work and the elements. This prevents damage to the bodywork, which might otherwise expose the metal underneath the paint and allow rust to form. You can apply wax and sealant at home.

Keep it Clean

The simplest thing you can do to protect your car from rust is keep it clean. Deposits of mud, salt, and other dirt can all corrode your paint work surprisingly quickly. Regular car washing reduces the amount of time it takes to get the vehicle clean on an ongoing basis. Do not forget the undercarriage and other hard-to-reach places too, but do not use a jet spray underneath the car as this could damage vital parts. It may be a good idea to ask our service department to help if you are unsure.