What Can Cause Rust Spots on Car and How to Prevent It
October 21st, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
You’re really into washing your car. You don’t just clean it; you lovingly massage it and inspect its body for scratches or nicks. But this time, what you find takes you by surprise, and not in a good way: rust spots on car! Right there on the panel. Rust… Really? What gives? And more importantly, “how can I get rid of the problem and prevent it from happening again?”
First, getting it fixed. If you’re a super handy guy who likes to put on the goggles, then possibly, theoretically, you could fix it yourself. But just because you could doesn’t mean you should, right. There’s a real possibility that, even if you knew what you were doing, you could end up making the situation worse. Fixing it is really not a do-it-yourself project, and we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a professional auto body shop like Fix Auto USA rather than winging it.
What causes rust on cars?
Why do cars rust? When there are rust spots on car or inside your car, moisture is usually the common denominator. When metal interacts with water or moisture, it generates a chemical reaction known as oxidation which corrodes the metal and forms rust. What causes rust on cars varies depending on what part of the country you live in and the climate. Cars driven in wetter climates are generally more prone to rust formation than cars driven in hot and drier climates. In colder environments, you will often find salt on the roads, which can seep into your vehicle’s undercarriage, resulting in the formation of rust. It could be there and you might not even know about it. Rust also likes to form on older, “retired” cars that sit around without being driven and get excessive exposure to the sun, dirt, and environmental pollutants,
How to prevent rust on car
There is no full-proof way to prevent rust from forming on your car. But there are precautions you can take that will help minimize the risk. Regularly inspect your vehicle – a good time is when you get gas – for scratches, nicks, or dents. If left untreated, they can become a breeding ground for rust. Nip it in the bud and get them fixed without delay. Also, a new paint job, while not necessary, provides a strong layer of protection. Another preventive measure is to make sure that you wash your car regularly and apply car wax at least twice a year (every six months) to protect your car from the elements. Earlier, we mentioned that having salt on the roads in colder climates can lead to rust forming underneath your car. If you are concerned about this, you should have your car cleaned at a professional car wash so they can get at hard-to-reach areas like the undercarriage.
Although now you know how to prevent rust on car, don’t be too hard on yourself if rust starts to form, because it will happen, eventually, if you own your car long enough. We want to emphasize an important point. If you see signs of rust on your car, take care of it right away. Seriously, don’t delay and here’s why. The rust spots on car could quickly expand if left untreated, especially if it comes in contact with moisture again. This could affect not only the appearance of your car but its value too.
As we mentioned, there may be some DIY solutions on the market. However, if your goal is to maintain the value and appearance of your car, then we encourage you to take your vehicle to a trusted body shop like Fix Auto USA. We are open for business and ready to serve you.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Long Beach, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop serving Long Beach and Southeast Los Angeles.
