How to Prevent Car Corrosion

Inspect your car regularly to prevent corrosion from spreading.

Rust and corrosion are deterioration spots that develop in your car's paint job or on the undercarriage of a car. When rust spots occur, they can spread like a disease all over the car, making its appearance undesirable and its resale value plummet. Corrosion occurs from chips in the car's paint caused when small rocks fly up and nick the paint or by impurities in the paint job itself. Salt from the ocean, or from roads covered with salt during the winter months, can erode the integrity of the underlying metal or of a car's undercarriage and exhaust system. There are ways to prevent or stop this kind of corrosion.

Things You'll Need

• Wax
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Clean rags
• Mineral spirits
• Touch-up car paint

Instructions

General Prevention

1. Wash your car regularly, especially if salt comes in contact with the car's paint, as salt can corrode the paint's surface. Wash the undercarriage of your car to prevent rust from developing under the car and the exhaust system. Dry your car after washing to prevent water corrosion.

2. Wax your car at least twice a year. Waxing puts a protective barrier between the car's paint and elements such as dust and water that can result in corrosion.

3. Inspect your car after every washing to check for nicks in the car's paint. Chips that are left untreated can start a rust spot that continues to grow.

Fixing Chipped Paint to Prevent Further Corrosion

1. Sand the chipped area with a fine 220-grit sandpaper. For tiny chips, wrap the sandpaper around the tip of a pen or screwdriver and sand out the rusted area.

2. Clean the sanded area with a clean rag dipped in mineral spirits. Allow to air dry.

3. Apply touch-up paint with the applicator that came with the paint. Try not to put any of the touch-up paint on the surrounding paint--put it only on the chipped area. If you do not like the way it looks, wipe the paint away with the rag and start over.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is no rust on the chipped surface, you do not need to sand the area. Just wipe it clean and apply the touch-up paint.

References

• Corrosion Doctors: Rust Prevention
• Wheel Scene: Prevent Corrosion