Rust Prevention and Protection

Cars are among the most valuable investments made by different categories of people at different levels. Different level caters to various car segments and models available in the Indian car market. Whether the car is a luxury Mercedes Benz or a compact sedan Tata Indigo CS or Maruti 800, it requires proper care and maintenance to boost the durability, reliability and drivability of the car.

The most common problem encountered by all car models especially when they become old is rusting. Car exteriors especially the doors, fenders and hood are made with steel, a metal that causes rust. Rust is a red or brown oxide coating formed on the metal when exposed to various external elements like sunlight, moisture, ozone, temperatures, stones, pebbles and rain acid.

Invasion of Rust

Rust mainly invades through small scratches and nicks caused by stones, pebbles and rain water that intersperse the car through daily driving. If such scratches and nicks are left unnoticed, it will transform to rust in no time and once rusting starts, there is nothing that can stop that.

Areas to Check for Rust

Rust is most commonly found in and around the car wheels and on the fenders because these are places mostly attacked by stones and pebbles kicked by the tyres. The hood of the car is also affected by falling stones, making it more prone to rusting. Apart from the car wheels and hood, the complete exterior body is also exposed to various external elements like sun radiations and deviating temperatures. These external elements greatly influence the shine and appeal of the car. If not maintained and protected, these also cause rust invasion.

Other rust-prone areas of the car are flooring under the driver's and passenger's seats, interior flooring under the mats and around the engine compartment.

Rust Preventing Tips

Rust prevention is an integral aspect of car maintenance that adds years to the car life. Here are some rust preventing and protecting tips:

· If the paint chips or a scratch is seen on the car body, dab it immediately with a clear nail polish.

· The scratch can be removed using a touch up paint. Every car has a specific paint and the code is mentioned the door jam, in the glove box, in the trunk or under the carpet.

· Keep the car well washed and maintained.

· Let the car dry completely after washing.

· Do rust proofing. This is done by spraying a waxy paste on the body exteriors including the door, fenders, window edges and engine compartment.

· Clear all the drain holes in the floor and bottoms of the door.

· Clean grime present in the chips using a dampened rug and allow it to dry.

· Small dents can be fixed using paintless dent repair available in local car repair shops.

· Avoid parking in direct sunlight as it can damage the car surface.

· Wash the car at regular intervals especially the areas underneath.

· Use a cleaner that best suits the specific car model. Every model and every color have their own specifications.

· Remove road grime and dirt from undercarriage of the car using a lawn sprinkle.

· Wash the carpet once a week well with rug shampoo to remove salt from the carpet fibers. Repeat the number of washing during monsoon.