Because oxidation affects countless cars every year, preventing rust on cars is something every car owner should know about. Rust can cause devastating damage to your vehicle. Body panels can be ruined, and the structure and strength of the frame can be depleted. Every year, badly rusted cars fail to pass state inspections. With no other major problems, they end up in the junkyard. Below are helpful instructions on preventing rust on cars. In addition to preventative tips, information on how to remove rust on cars also follows.
Preventing Rust on Cars
Clean Your Car Regularly
Certain substances can weaken and wear through the paint on your car. Rust spreads when there is an accumulation of salt, dirt, bird droppings, spilled gasoline, or sediment on your vehicle. Every few weeks, ideally, wash your car to prevent rust damage. Cleaning on a routine basis is step number one in preventing rust on cars
The undercarriage of your car needs to be washed routinely, as well. If you use an automatic car wash service, verify that undercarriage cleaning is included. Do-it-yourselfers should keep in mind that it is essential to thoroughly rinse after washing your car. Dried soap is another substance that can eat through the paint.
If salt deposits are a concern where you live, here is a helpful tip for do-it-yourself car washing: Mix a small amount of baking soda into your soap and water mix to help fight the effects of road salt. Baking soda is effective at neutralizing the acidic effects of salt.
Wax Your Vehicle Routinely
Move off the road onto a sidewalk or the side of the roaAt least every six months, wax your vehicle. Waxing does more than protect your paint from damage and fading. Waxing also helps to repel water and prevent dirt, sand, and other materials from weakening the paint. Protecting the paint is vital because it is the most effective defense against rust.
How to Remove Rust on Cars
WheRoutinely inspect your car for patches of rust. As a reminder, do this when it’s time for tire rotations and oil changes. Prevent further rust damage by repairing rust spots without delay. An invasive process begins anytime rust develops. It may be a good idea to visit a body shop for existing rust spots if you aren’t confident about removing the rust yourself. The do-it-yourself process involves scraping off the rusted area with a razor blade, fine grit sandpaper, or, in more extreme cases, sandblasting. Avoid scraping off any new paint. Generally, you will use a rust arrestor product for help removing the rust and use a matching paint color for touch-ups.
Visit Shur-Way Auto Body
Shur-Way Auto Body is where to go for rust removal on cars in St. Louis MO and the surrounding area. We care about our customers, which is a tradition established back in 1971. Visit our shop at 3540 Greenwood Blvd. in Maplewood MO. Remember that it is essential to deal with rust as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment for any of your auto body needs or for further questions about preventing rust on cars, give us a call at 314-645-5540 today.