How to Repair Rust on Automobiles

Given enough time, moisture will corrode just about any metal, including that used in automobiles. Your car may have factory-applied protective rust-proofing, but as time passes and the car is exposed to the elements, road salt and grime, rust will try to worm its way past the rust-proofing and paint. Performing regular maintenance on your car, including regular washings, will reduce or eliminate most rust problems. The most important thing to do is to remove rust as soon as you notice it. If the rust is not removed, it will spread, potentially causing serious damage such as rust-through.

Things You'll Need

• Scrubbing pad or steel wool pad
• Rust remover
• Rag or cloth
• Rust-inhibiting primer
• Rust-inhibiting paint
• Car wax

Instructions

1. Scrub off all surface rust with a wire brush or steel wool pad.

2. Apply rust remover to the more stubborn areas of rust with a steel wool pad. Be certain to wear gloves to protect your hands from the acid in the rust remover.

3. Leave the rust remover on for 10 to 15 minutes, in most cases--but read the instructions on the label of any rust remover you use.

4. Scrub at the rust with the steel wool pad. Wipe the spot clean with a rag or paper towels.

5. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer to the car with a paint brush to prevent future rusting. Let it dry. Use a primer made for automobiles.

6. Use rust-inhibiting touch-up paint in the car's color if needed.

7. Apply a generous coat of car wax. The wax acts as a barrier to protect the car from rusting.

References

• Metal Web News: A Primer on Rust
• Rust Reform: Fighting Never-Ending Rust