Rusting arches, trunk edge and hood front? No problem, the main thing is to take measures in time.
The chemical explanation for rust is the corrosion process that occurs when steel is oxidized by contact with water and oxygen. The bodies of most modern automobiles are still mostly made of steel, which is usually galvanized or otherwise coated to prevent rusting.
But even where there are protective soils, paints or zinc coating, rust can begin. The peak of the spread of rust disease occurs in winter, in times of “salty roads”, which accelerate the corrosion process at times.
Causes of rust on a car
Particularly at risk are the places where water can be collected: drainage channels, slots or grooves clogged with leaves or other dirt, which prevent rainwater from drying out and thus provide optimal soil for the spread of rust. If the paint is damaged in these areas, the brown spots quickly disperse.
The cavities in the engine compartment, the inside of doors and wheel arches, the underside and in many cars the boot door are typical places where corrosion can occur. Rust is also often hidden behind plastic panels: moisture often accumulates here as well, and even the slightest dirt between the plastic and metal is enough to rub the protective layer on the steel like sandpaper. All parts that are not galvanized are just as vulnerable.
How can you prevent rusting?
The first thing you need to do is carefully examine the body for scratches and make sure that the protective layer remains intact. Small scratches on the paint should be removed. Most often, special wax-based coatings are used. On the eve of the winter period, this should be a mandatory procedure.
Also, corrosion often crawls on the bottom of the car. Usually elementary anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom is carried out at the factory, somewhere it is done completely, and somewhere in some places. Everything depends on the manufacturer.
There is also an opinion that storing the car in the garage is an excellent vaccination against corrosion. But here we can only agree partially. After all, the way the ventilation and ventilation in the room depends on how the accumulated moisture is removed. If the air cannot circulate freely inside the garage, condensation will form and the car will begin to rust. Such cases are not uncommon.
What should I do if it is too late?
If the rust has already spread, it will have to be removed, otherwise, over time, the corrosion in this place is committed to through the corrosion, people usually say “hole”. Small pockets of rust on the paint can sometimes be successfully polished.
However, if there is a serious rust spot, only a grinder can help, with which the rust is completely removed. The affected area is then cleaned, primed and repainted. Under certain circumstances, it is even necessary to repair the damaged area with putty. In this form, after removing the rust, the problem will recede for a while.
Rust: where it happens most often and how to fight it
- Lower part of the body. Modern cars should be protected from the factory by effective stone protection. A permanent elastic coating usually ensures that the underside of the body does not rust. But this is only in theory. Over time, gaps form between the protective layer, commonly referred to as “lamb” and the car body, where salt and water enter. Worst of all, it becomes noticeable even when the thresholds need to be digested.
Solution: Carefully examine the bottom, where you need to remove the protective layer, clean the rust that appears and cover with a new anticore lamb. On sale it is called that. - Hood. Typical place for the appearance of corrosion in cars, which often drive on highways. The front of the car is damaged by small stones in front of the car.
Solution: If there is no corrosion yet, but you can still see the chips of paint, you can try to use special repair pencils. Each carmaker’s assortment includes repair kits for minor repairs. The kit usually includes paint and varnish. Then, after drying, the place of repair can be polished. If there is already corrosion – then a complete repainting of the hood is prescribed, with stripping, primer and often even putty. Reasons for rust on the car - Brake system. The drums and discs are constantly exposed to water and dirt and are therefore subject to rust. Solution: After a very short period of time, the brake discs become corroded, but it is considered harmless and disappears after the first few brakes. However, heavily corroded brake system components must be replaced.
- Running gear and chassis. The suspension levers are also prone to corrosion, where the metal thickness is such that there is usually no danger of operation. Except when corrosion penetrates into the suspension elements so much that it cannot be maintained. Often it is necessary to cut off the rusted bolt or nut with a “Bulgarian” to replace the silent block, for example. Solution: It is advisable to treat the bolts and joints in the suspension with special sprays for threaded joints with anti-corrosion components.
- Door edges and wheel arches are classic rust spots. Corrosion likes to spread quickly and over a large area. The problem is that there are several sheets of metal on top of each other in these places. In case of poor sealing water penetrates into the folds. Solution: For wheel arches, there are suitable repair sheets that are welded together, and doors are sometimes even easier to replace than to repair.
- Frame of the windscreen. Problem moments for many cars, especially for old models. In many cars, the roof is very badly treated against corrosion at all. The rust blooms in the form of small bubbles and the paint burst. Solution: Usually, as in the case of the hood, either the roof is painted, or it is already being cleaned, primed and painted globally, either as a whole or to a certain point so that it is not visible.
- Roof hatch. Dirt and moisture accumulate in the sealing gum of the hatches, creating ideal conditions for rust. Solution: Regularly check and clean the drain holes of the sunroof. Treat the rubber elements with special silicone-based sprays.