How to Protect Car from Corrosion?
All metal objects are vulnerable to the formation of rust; your vehicle is not an exception either. Rust can be frustrating to handle. From ruining the external parts of the car to reducing the resell value of the car, corrosion has its tricks under its sleeve.
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Inspect your car
We could not possibly stress the importance of inspecting your vehicle regularly. Even if it for a short while, make sure always to check the vehicle. Doing so will help you keep track of the workings of the car, letting you nip any problems in the bud.
When checking for rust, make sure the wheels and the bumpers. As these parts are regularly exposed to the outside environment, they are more vulnerable to corrosion than any other parts of the car. Along with this, make sure to check the parts of the car where two components are meeting. The door, hood, and trunk are parts where rust is commonly noticed; it is caused by continuous rubbing of the two regions.
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Check the underside of the car
The bottom of the car, undoubtedly, takes the worst of it all. It is exposed to the harsh conditions of the road and is often affected by the worst. It is recommended to keep a regular check on the underside as it is highly vulnerable to corrosion.
The rate of corroding is worse in the winters; this is because it is exposed to the salt and chemicals used to reduce accidents caused by the snow. Moisture is also an essential factor that affects the corrosion of the car. The underside is to be washed regularly, using baking soda mixed with water to neutralize the salt collected.
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Wash your car regularly
Although the exterior of the car is thoroughly coated with layers to help prevent corrosion, we need to do our part of maintaining the same. Washing your car is crucial as the car is often exposed to organic or inorganic materials that help accelerate corrosion.
Substances such as bird droppings or squished insects give out certain secretions that affect the protective layers of the car. Thus, it is vital to keep the exterior clean with the help of regular car washes. But never neglect the insides of the car, although it is cumbersome to wash the interiors of the car.
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Do not let water collect
Water plays a massive role in the formation of rust on metal surfaces, along with sunlight. When you wash your car, water tends to collect in the parts where it is shallow. This can cause the beginning of rust formation, which will only get worse over time.
To prevent this, keep the drain holes provided clear. Drain holes are found at the bottom of the rockers and the doors of the car. They are installed for the sole purpose of letting water out and preventing it from collecting up.
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Wax your car
Although the car is pre-coated with protective layers when manufactured, the coating will eventually wear off as you take the car out and about. Waxing your car helps replenish the protective layer of the vehicle.
It is recommended to wax your car atleast twice a year. Car wax is a dependable anti-rusting product that can be of immense help when it comes to preventing corrosion. It keeps the paint from chipping off while preventing any spread of corrosion.
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Wipe interior surfaces
The interior of a car has an ecosystem of its own; it is also susceptible to corrosion or the formation of rust. To help reduce the chances of corrosion originating from the inside of the car, you must continuously wipe down the surfaces of the car. The act of wiping the interior of the car will help curb the process of oxidation, which is a precursor to corrosion.
You can use a microfiber cloth in this step; a microfiber cloth is more effective as it catches even the tiny particles of duct or moisture. Apart from that, you can also use wax paper as a substitute for a microfiber cloth.
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Tend to rust spots early
Rust is formed due to numerous reasons ranging from chipped paint to salt exposure. Thus, rust spots are not uncommon. So if you do find yourself face-to-face with a rust spot, make sure to tend to it as soon as possible. This is to avoid the situation from getting out of hand.
Minor rust spots can be gotten rid of with the help of a rust repair kit. A substitute for a rust repair kit is a razor blade or sandpaper. Use your tool of choice to get rid of the minor rust spot formed on your car. Following it up with a coat of paint would be optimal.
Final Words
Fighting corrosion can be challenging, but it is for the best to prevent it as much as possible. Hence, we have a list of how to protect your car from corrosion to help you avoid an issue that will be heavy on the pockets.