One of the biggest threats to a vehicle’s body is harmful rust damage. Since we live in a state where it snows and rains often, it’s important for Colorado vehicle owners to be aware of how rust happens and what they can do to prevent it. If your car already has some degree of rust damage, read on for how to best fix the problem.
Treating Rust Damage
Most major rust repairs involve a trained professional and panel welding. This is especially true for penetrating rust, or rust that has created holes in the metal of your car. If this is the case for you, please take your car to a body shop for the best treatment. For minor rust patches, there are a few ways you can treat them yourself.
For surface rust, applying a small amount of white vinegar to the rust may help loosen and remove it. You can also gently sand down the rust spot before applying. Always be very careful when using this method, especially on painted surfaces of your car.
If you’re a more experienced car repair do-it-yourselfer, you can also dig out and repair patches of rust on your car with a sander or scraper, paint primer, and a variety of commercial chemicals used to dissolve rust. If you do plan to do some rust repair on your own, always think safety first and use protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask or respirator.
Preventing Rust Damage
The best way to avoid fixing corrosion is to prevent it from happening. Rust grows on unfinished metal and in moist conditions. Additionally, the mag chloride used to make roads less slippery can enhance rust damage on already exposed vehicles. It’s easy to look at our vehicle’s outer body and think we’re free from rust damage, but the real area for concern is the underside. Road grime, salt, water, and exposed metal are a perfect breeding ground for rust.
The best thing you can do to help keep your vehicle free of rust is to clean it frequently. Unfortunately, commercial car washes rarely get underneath effectively enough to clean all the grime, but you can easily do it yourself at home with a pressure washer or strong hose attachment. If you have a jack in your garage, you can also elevate the car to gain better access.
Another helpful rust prevention tip is to use rust spray or ceramic coating.
These products are made to coat your vehicle during the winter months and can be purchased at any store with auto-care products. If you have a car that will be sitting outside during the wetter months, invest in the ceramic coating to seal it. If you have a vehicle that will not be driven for a long amount of time, your best bet is to buy a car cover to keep the snow and rain off.
Though rust damage can wreak havoc on vehicles, there are many ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you do treat your own vehicle rust, always use caution and know when the job should be taken to a professional. From all of us here at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
