How to Keep Rust Off Your Car

The chemicals used on the roads during the winter eat away at your car's undercarriage. It may create small pits where water can gather and eventually cause rust. Expensive bodywork and repainting is the only way to stop rust. By adding rubberized undercoating, you can protect your vehicle from damage caused by corrosive road salt and avoid costly repairs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubberized undercoating
• Masking tape
• Face mask respirator

1. Purchase ready-to-use flexible, rubberized undercoating in an aerosol can. Choose an undercoat color that matches the car paint as closely as possible.

2. Choose a day when the temperature is 70 degrees F or higher. Apply the undercoating in a heated garage during colder seasons.

3. Take the vehicle to the car wash on a mild, dry day. Have the undercarriage "blasted" with a high pressure wash to remove all traces of salt and chemical de-icers. Make sure the interior of the fenders and bumpers are pressure washed.

4. Make sure the areas to be sprayed are clean and dry. Mask off the surrounding painted areas to protect them from any overspray of the undercoating.

5. Shake the can of undercoating for 3 to 5 minutes to mix the rubberized element and the propellant well. Make the sure the weight of the contents of the can feels evenly distributed in the can.

6. Wear a face mask respirator. Spray the undercoating behind the mud flaps, up inside the fender wells and along the rocker panels where salt, water and chemicals from the road splash up and collect. Cover the areas well in an even coat.

7. Allow the undercoating to dry thoroughly. Remove the masking tape.