A properly rust-proofed vehicle can last years longer than an untreated car, but there are quite a few misconceptions about the process. To set your mind at ease, taking steps to prevent rust is an excellent way to protect your car’s value, even though there is a lot of misinformation available to tell you otherwise
- My car was factory rust-proofed.
One of the most common misconceptions is that the vehicle was rust-proofed by the manufacturer, and does not need to have it done again.
The protective coating applied at the factory will only last for a limited amount of time. To protect your car, the process should be repeated periodically. If the factory-applied an electrostatic coating, additional rust proofing will not harm the factory finish and may protect areas that were not treated at the factory.
- Rust proofing voids my vehicle warranty.
A lot of people are reluctant to apply rust proofing because they have heard that doing so will void the warranty.
Protecting your vehicle against rust and corrosion will not affect the factory or dealership warranty. Some commercial rust proofing processes require small holes in parts of the vehicle, and this process may void vehicle warranties. This requirement is the exception and does not have any impact on a majority of rust proofing formulas or techniques.
- Rust proofing requires drilling holes.
This legitimate fear causes many people to avoid rust proofing their vehicle due to misunderstanding, not the majority of facts.
Some techniques do require drilling small holes in order to reach difficult locations. Drilling is not necessary for all techniques, and many companies have found that a slow, directed spray works as effectively as drilling without potentially changing the dynamics of the vehicle design.
- Rust proofing must be done annually.
Another common misunderstanding is that rust proofing has to be repeated every year once you start doing it.
While it is true that treatment will only last for a limited amount of time, there is not a requirement that you have to repeat the process every year. The longer you go without rust proofing, the less effective a previous application will work, due to ordinary weathering, road dust, and abrasion. Depending on factors such as your driving habits and regional conditions, you may be able to extend a single application for 2 to 3 years, but the best practice is to play it safe.
- Rust proofing is a scam.
The idea that rust proofing is a scheme to separate people from their money turns a lot of people away from protecting their vehicle undercarriage.
Rust is a natural occurrence affecting exposed, unprotected metal. It can be demonstrated that rust proofing inhibits the formation of rust by coating metal surfaces. Just as furniture needs to be polished and the oil in a vehicle crankcase changed, protecting the undercarriage of your car is important to keep it operating for years to come. Rust proofing is an investment to prolong the condition of your vehicle.
- The best time for rust proofing is in the Fall.
There is a rumor floating around that rust proofing is only effective if it is applied just before the Winter snows roll in.
Applying rust proofing to your car during the cold months may not be as effective because of salt is thrown up from treated roadways. This is entirely due to the use of salt to reduce the icing of roadways and has nothing to do with when the application should be done. The important factor is to make sure the undercarriage of your car is free of salt and dirt before rust proofing is applied. No matter what season you apply the coating, it will only work properly if applied to clean metal surfaces.
- It is too late for rust proofing my car.
There is also a belief that rust proofing will not work once the first spots of rust have appeared on the vehicle.
Just because you discovered a spot or two of rust does not mean you cannot benefit from treatment. Carefully clean or sand the affected area to remove existing rust, and then apply the rust proofing treatment. You cannot undo what has already happened, but you can take a proactive approach to prevent further damage. Obviously, a car that has rusted to pieces does not have much to gain, but a few rust spots are an indication that rust proofing needs to be done soon.
Most of the myths surrounding the process are simple misunderstandings of what rust proofing is, how it works, and why it is important. There are a lot more reasons why you should apply rust proofing than there are misconceptions preventing you from doing it. If you have been putting off getting your car treated, maybe now is the time to take action.
This article was written by Diane on behalf of Krown. They offer the highest quality rust protection service available. Krown rust proofing helps save you money, while providing peace of mind, knowing you have a safer, better looking vehicle.