As you can see, rust on a car can be a very serious issue. This is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent car rust. Luckily, keeping your vehicle rust-free is pretty easy. Start with these five tips.
1. Wash Your Car Frequently
One of the easiest ways to prevent rust on a car is to wash it often. Not only will it keep your car looking shiny and new, but it will also remove corrosive debris, salt, and grime.
It’s important not to wait for your car to look dirty before washing it. The elements that attack your car’s paint aren’t visible to the naked eye, so by the time you can see that you’re due for a wash, some damage has already occurred.
While any type of car wash is better than not washing your car at all, a high-pressure cleaner is the most effective. This will allow you to easily clean tricky areas – like your undercarriage and the inside of your wheel arches. For the best protection, plan to wash your vehicle once a week and have it professionally cleaned every few months.
2. Don’t Forget the Wax
To keep your car in the best possible condition and prevent rust from forming, you’ll want to wax it at least twice a year. This adds another layer of protection between your car’s paint and rust-causing moisture. If you’re not storing your car in a garage, you’ll need to wax it even more often to make up for the extra exposure to the elements.
It’s easy to wax your car on your own, but if you don’t have the time, consider adding a hand wax when you take it for professional cleaning.
3. Apply a Rust Coating
If you’re already having problems with rust or you live in a harsh environment, it’s a good idea to have a protective rust-proof coating applied by a professional. Since exposure to salt is one of the primary causes of rust, this is even more important if you live by the ocean or the gulf. In areas where salt is frequently applied to icy roads, rustproofing can also make a major difference.
If you have a short-term lease or don’t plan to keep your car for long, then you can probably skip the rustproofing. However, if you plan to hold onto your vehicle for the long haul, this is definitely worth considering.
4. Protect Your Car from the Elements
Constant exposure to sun, rain, and snow can do a number on your car. If you want to avoid rust, you really should park it under cover. If your home doesn’t already have a garage, consider adding one. A portable garage is an affordable option that’s ideal for those who rent their homes, on a tight budget, or don’t have a lot of space. A steel garage is an excellent option for a homeowner who has room to spare, is looking for a permanent option, and wants to save money on a new structure.
5. Repair Rust Before It Spreads
It’s a good idea to give your car a once-over each time you wash it. Keep an eye out for any paint damage or small spots of rust. When checking your car, also pay close attention to the condition of drain holes, water channels, and seals. If moisture collects here, rust can start to form unseen.
Any time you notice a possible sign of rust, it’s important not to let it go. Taking care of it before it spreads can save you a lot of time and thousands of dollars in future repairs.