You\u2019ve had your car for several years now and just paid it off. Because it still runs great you were planning to hand it down to your high schooler when they head off to college. But after another snow-filled winter, you noticed some small rust spots when you took it through the car wash. What should you do? Much like the tip of an iceberg, any noticeable rust on your vehicle could be an indication of more serious problems lurking beneath the surface. Here\u2019s why getting those rusted areas promptly repaired is so important.
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It\u2019s common for older vehicles to get rust spots, especially when they\u2019re exposed to saltwater or road deicers in cold-weather climates. Over time, chemicals, dirt and road salt can all cause the top layers of your paint to weaken. Unrepaired scratches and dents from minor fender benders and stray grocery carts can also promote rust formation, even on newer cars.
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When bare metal gets exposed to water, iron and air it starts corroding due to a chemical reaction known as oxidation<\/em>. Once saltwater starts accelerating the oxidation process, you might notice a small rust spot around your wheel well or near the bottom of a door. Once that rust spreads, it not only looks bad and lowers your resale value, it can start corroding structural components and body panels. Small rust repairs work well when the damage is superficial, and the corrosion hasn\u2019t had a chance to penetrate through to the metal. A body shop might recommend a small rust patch job when it\u2019s caused by a deep paint scratch or minor dent. This is how collision repair technicians perform a small-scale rust repair: Once the rust has penetrated a larger and\/or deeper area, more extensive bodywork is needed. Large-scale rust repairs become necessary when the metal has started to corrode completely through, which will eventually weaken the integrity of supporting structures enough that they may not be able to withstand a subsequent collision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Large-scale rust repairs typically include these steps: In addition to the body, the undercarriage of your vehicle is also vulnerable to rust, including the exhaust system, floorboards and chassis. Here are some rust-prevention tips:
<\/p>\n\n\n\nSmall Rust Repairs <\/strong>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nLarger Rust Repair Jobs <\/strong>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Can I Protect My Car from Rust?<\/strong>
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