How to Prevent and Remove Rust
Rust is not only unsightly, it can genuinely damage your vehicle and depreciate its resale value. It's important to understand how and where rust starts, how to prevent it and how to remove it with an at home rust remover kit.
The way rust usually begins is through the chips and scratches received during daily driving. When bare metal is exposed, it's just a matter of time until rust forms. Left unchecked long enough, it will eat its way through the metal and create a rust hole.
The most likely areas for rust to develop are around the wheel wells, on the fenders, and behind the tires. The front area of your car can also get damaged from flying stones from other cars, making this a risky area as well. Other rust prone places to check are the exterior flooring under the seats, the interior flooring underneath the matting, under the matting in the trunk, and around the engine compartment.
The key to keeping a car rust free is by stopping rust before it starts. Because bare metal will oxidize and painted surfaces won't, you only need to protect your car from the elements to keep rust from forming.
Periodical washing of your car's undercarriage is a good way to protect your car from rust. Visit a car wash on a monthly basis and spray the underside of your car and inside the wheel wells. A build up of dirt can hold moisture against your car and promote rust. Keeping it clean will allow surfaces to dry quicker making it less susceptible to oxidation. To do a quick cleaning at home, place a lawn sprinkler under your car and turn on full blast. This is a good way to remove all salt and dirt.
If the carpet in your vehicle is subjected to a lot of salty water over the winter, rust could be forming where you can't even see it, underneath the carpet. Use rubber mats over the carpet to protect it and try to keep the carpet underneath clean and dry.
Keep some touch-up paint at home and periodically check your entire car for exposed metal and rust. Look for chips and nicks in the paint. If you find a chip, using a touch-up brush, dab a little paint on the nick, just enough to fill in the gap. Don't coat the surrounding painted surface, it will just make your touch up look more noticeable.
If you discover that rust has already developed, you should deal with it right away. You can either take it to an auto body shop to be professionally repaired, or you can do it yourself at home.
How to repair rust damage at home:- Make your own rust repair kit by gathering together all the materials you will need: sandpaper and/or a grinder, a damp cloth, good quality auto body primer and touch-up paint. You may also want to wear gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself.
- Prepare the surface by sanding or grinding off the rust, make sure to make the area smooth so the it will be easier to blend in the repaired area with the rest of the car.
- Clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of auto body primer and allow it to dry overnight.
- Apply several thin layers of paint to the area and allow to dry overnight.
- Wash and wax your car to help blend the area in with the rest of the vehicle.
If you aren't happy with the final appearance, you can re-do the entire process or take your car to an auto body shop.
Published on Friday, January 30, 2009 - Email to a friend
Copyright 2009 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
Find New Cars
SEARCH BY MANUFACTURER
