10 Steps to Car Rust Proofing

Buying a car involves a major expenditure, so car rust proofing becomes essential if you want to protect your investment. Every scratch depreciates your car's value, let alone an ugly patch of rust. It is only natural that metal corrodes and rusts over time, especially if it is continually exposed to humidity. Apart from looking ugly and depreciating your car's value, rust may also damage your car and make it unsafe. It is therefore vital to rust proof your car periodically to avoid all these possibilities.

Step 1 - Check for Scrapes

Check your car regularly for any scrapes or nicks. These scrapes are an inevitable consequence of daily use of your vehicle. It is important to spot any such nicks or scrapes early on since rust usually starts to form in the little places where the paint has been worn off.

Step 2 - Remove the Rust

Put on the mask and the protective goggles, and clean off the rust by using a medium-grit sandpaper. If there are small areas which are out of reach, wrap the sandpaper around a screwdriver and use it to remove the rust.

Step 3 - Clean the Surface

Once the rust is removed, clean the surface. Apply mineral spirits on a damp rag and use it to remove any oil or grease.

Step 4 - Paint the Surface

Paint the now rust-free spots with touch-up paint. You can match the paint to your car's original by a computer match, or else by getting a paint technician to analyze a paint sample.

Step 5 - Check the Car Regularly

Make sure you check your car periodically for any nicks and scrapes, paying particular attention to the wheel wells and the undercarriage.

For an alternative rust proofing procedure, you may follow the steps below:

Step 6 - Rent the Equipment

Rent a spray gun and a compressor. Using these tools you will be able to deal with any part of your car, even the nooks and crannies which would otherwise be difficult to get at.

Step 7 - Clean the Car

It is important to make sure your car is clean before applying the rust proofing fluid. Use a wire brush on particularly difficult road grime, and pay special attention to the wheel wells and the undercarriage.

Step 8 - Apply the Rust Proofing Fluid

When applying the fluid, take care to reach all the relevant areas: the front and back doors, the hood and the trunk, the undercarriage and the wheel wells.

Step 9 - Avoid Plastic and Lights

The fluid will damage plastic if you're not careful. Wipe off any fluid which gets on the plastic immediately. Moreover, the fluid is also highly flammable since it contains solvent vapors. Make sure you keep it away from any sources of heat or ignition.

Step 10 - Wipe Off the Excess

Once you apply the fluid on all the necessary areas, wipe off any excess and you're done.

Rust proofing may well extend your car's life, as well as keep its value from plummeting. Follow these steps to make sure you keep your car in shape and avoid further damage.