All About Rust - Keeping Vehicles Shiny And Rust Free

Rust is the single most common source of damage to cars and trucks today. Not only does it destroy the appearance of cars and trucks, but it causes irreparable exterior damage and severely depreciates a vehicle's resale value. Ziebart International Corporation, the world leader in automotive products and services that protect, enhance and maintain cars and trucks; and offer the following information to automotive consumers about rust and rust protection.

Automakers protect the outer surfaces of fenders, doors and other metal parts with coatings of paint. Although in-facing surfaces, such as door panels or the side of a fender that faces the chassis, are coated, protecting those surfaces from rust is a much more difficult task. Rust may begin on the inner side of the metal that is hidden from view and work all the way through the metal to the outside, painted surface, where it bubbles up and forms a hole in the steel.

Areas where two pieces of metal are joined are likely places for rust to begin. These joints hold moisture, salt, dirt and other corrosive particles that promote rust. The fender support braces are one primary example. Rust can also form where paint chips off the outer surface of a vehicle. The front edges of hoods and trunks are common places for rust to appear, because they are the most likely areas of a vehicle to suffer paint damage because water that falls on the vehicle runs down the edges of the hood and trunk.

It's important to protect your vehicle before rust begins. The rust-protection process won't remove existing corrosion, but it will prevent future rust. Here are some additional tips for keeping your car's paint from rusting:

• Look for a process that uses durable, long-lasting protectant, not just a temporary oil.
• Ensure that rust proofing is applied by professional, well-trained technicians.
• As recommended in your owner's manual, wash your car regularly, including the underbody, to remove corrosive substances.
• Clear the drain holes at the bottom of doors and under rocker panels.
• Spot check and power wash areas of your car that are susceptible to rust to be sure that water, salt, mud, dust, chemicals and other corrosives are not collecting there.