How to Prevent Auto Rust
You can keep a car looking good and lasting longer by knowing how to prevent rust, a common problem with car bodies. For example, a small nick with metal exposed will form rust; left unchecked, this rust will become a hole. Another key area to check for is a high-pitched sound of wind while driving. This means the door seals need repairing and moisture can enter your car, causing rust. As of 2010, new cars feature sturdy weather seals, plus they receive rust proofing when constructed. Check on your rust protection plan when purchasing a new car.
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Things You'll Need
- Car wax
- Car cleaner
- Touch-up paint
- Touch-up brush
- Sandpaper (220 grade or finer)
- Mineral spirits
- Rag
- Lawn sprinkler (optional)
Instructions
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Basic Prevention
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1
Wash underneath your car during the winter season and afterward if you live in parts of the U.S. with snowy winters. Washing underneath gets rid of grime and the salt road maintenance uses to melt ice. Turn on a lawn sprinkler full blast under your car to quickly remove salt, moving the sprinkler around.
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2
Check the drain holes around the hood of your car and the trunk and clear them out if necessary. Water must drain through these holes to prevent rust from forming.
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3
Examine the weather stripping for tears. Look at the weather stripping around where the door and body panel meets and around the trunk and hood, for example. Any damage here can allow water into your car, causing rust damage.
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4
Wax your car on a regular basis to protect the paint from exposure to the elements and prevent rusting.
Paint Chip and Nick Repair
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5
Examine the exterior of your car thoroughly on a regular basis, looking for chips in the paint. Cover the spot using touch-up paint.
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6
Sand down the chip carefully to the bare metal if you see surface rust showing. Use 220-grade sandpaper or finer.
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7
Wrap the sandpaper around a small screwdriver tip to carefully sand down a tiny nick if you see rust showing. Take your time and make certain you do not scratch the surrounding paint.
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8
Dip a rag with mineral spirits and clean the dirt from the chips or nicks you sanded down. Allow these areas to dry.
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9
Dab just a little of your paint carefully onto the chip or nick using a touch-up paint brush. Leave the surrounding painting areas alone, otherwise your touch-up job will stand out. If you cover the areas correctly, the chips or nicks will disappear. If you make a mistake, wipe the paint off with your damp rag and mineral spirits, wait for the areas to dry and start over.
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Tips & Warnings
Before buying a used car, park it on level ground with the emergency brakes set. Then look underneath the car with a flashlight behind all four tires for signs of rust. Feel around with your fingers for hardened putty used to repair rust if you cannot see the area well. If you find lots of putty, look for another car free of rust, since the rust on this car will reemerge.
Avoid purchasing a used car with fresh paint since the paint could be hiding rust or other damage.
Keep the carpet clean professionally or with a rug shampoo, especially if you live in areas with salted roads. Rust can form underneath the carpet from salty water buildup.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Blue old-fashioned rusty ancient car image by Maro...¡ MarkoviÄ from Fotolia.com
