WITH ALL THE HIGH-TECH MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO AUTO MANUFACTURERS, WHY IS RUST STILL A PROBLEM? Blame modern chemicals used to treat roadways. Magnesium chloride (marketed as MagChlor or Mag Chlor 90) is great at removing ice and snow, and even keeping dust under control on dirt and gravel back roads. But this concoction is brutal on vehicles. Magnesium chloride coats vehicles with a film of crud, which is difficult to remove when washing the car. It soaks in and holds moisture from the air when humidity levels drop, becoming an actively corrosive material. In areas where magnesium chloride is used on gravel or dirt roads, rust is a year-round issue, not just a winter one.
HOW CORROSION FORMS ON VEHICLES Corrosion is caused when an electrolyte comes into contact with a metal. In the case of vehicles, water is frequently in contact with all exterior surfaces. The water bonds with the steel of the auto body, causing rust.
PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST STEP 1: COAT THE VEHICLE WITH WAX So long as the paint and body are undamaged, water simply rolls off most of the vehicle body. However, it gathers in nooks and crannies.
Areas to treat with wax:
These susceptible areas can be treated with wax, such as a quality spray wax, to prevent corrosion.
Fenders
Doors Hood Around the trunk Frame
Quarter panels Rocker panels
PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST STEP 2: TREAT THE UNDERBODY The underbody of the vehicle is most susceptible because it: • Is directly in the path of water spray from the roadway • Is hardest to reach to get clean • Is often the target of debris, which can damage protective coatings you use to prevent rust An asphalt-based product is ideal for treating the underbody because it can withstand the impact of flying road debris, which often hits the underbody at speeds greater than 80 MPH. Treat the floorboards and brake lines with an asphaltbased anti-corrosion product for best results.
PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST
STEP 3: KEEP THE PAINT WELL-MAINTAINED
Most manufacturers treat cars’ paint with anti-corrosive materials, and these usually work well until the paint becomes damaged, exposing the metal underneath. Take care of chips and scratches as quickly as possible using touch-up paint available at most automotive parts stores and at local car dealerships. Get any necessary body work done as soon as possible following an accident. After body work is complete, re-treat the vehicle with the corrosive barriers used in steps 1 and 2.
PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST STEP 4: KEEP THE VEHICLE CLEAN Your best defense against rust and corrosion is to keep the vehicle clean and well-maintained. Wash the car thoroughly once per week, even during the wintertime. Make sure you remove all chemical residue from roadways at each wash. Pay special attention to wheel wells and the underbody, which have the most contact with roadways treated with ice-preventative chemicals.
THE RIGHT WAY TO WASH YOUR
CAR FOR RUST PREVENTION People who are serious about keeping their cars in good condition hand-wash their vehicles and try to avoid automated car washes when possible. Many people use dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent, but these products can damage the paint, opening the way for rust! Use a product specifically formulated for washing cars, or use baby shampoo, which is mild and non-abrasive. When washing, pay special attention to areas that collect and hold water, particularly around the doors, the bumper and headlights, wheel wells, around the rear of the body, and the underbody.
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM RUST A Hybrid Undercoating dries quickly and protects the vehicle against abrasion and corrosion caused by Mag Chlor and road salt. A top coat can be applied over this coating for even more protection, plus a brilliant, beautiful shine.
A Rubberized Undercoat can be painted over as well. It dries quickly, and in addition to its anti-corrosive properties, it reduces road noise and vibrations for a more comfortable, enjoyable drive. A Rust Inhibitor Aerosol offers all-over protection for the vehicle’s body.
Valugard offers a wide selection of products to protect vehicles from rust and corrosion. These products are useful on: • Passenger cars and vans
• Fire trucks
• Pickup trucks
• School buses
• Semi tractors and trailers
• Charter buses
• Refuse and recycling trucks
• Police cars
• Utility vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
For more information, please visit www.valugard.net
Sources:
http://www.valugard.net/ http://www.valugard.net/index.php/rust-information-product-data-sheets-msds/ http://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/car-rust-protection-your-guide-topreventing-car-rust
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/09/05/5-bad-habits-ofnew-car-owners-that-ruin-a-vehicles-value
Summary: Even though auto manufacturers have developed new materials to help prevent rust, modern road treatment chemicals still cause corrosion. But with proper treatment and regular maintenance, you can still keep your car rust free.