Rust Prevention Made Easy to Clean, Inspect, and Treat Your Vehicle

The first step in rust prevention is simple: keep your car clean. Dirt, road salt, and grime act as accelerants for corrosion. Left unchecked, they trap moisture against metal surfaces, creating the perfect environment for rust to form. 

During the winter months, when road salt is common, aim to wash your vehicle at least once every two weeks. In warmer seasons, monthly washes are usually sufficient. Either way, regular washing is essential to preventing rust. 

Rust rarely starts on obvious surfaces. Instead, it shows up where water and debris collect. For example, inside wheel wells, under rocker panels, behind fender flares, and on the underside of doors. When washing, pay extra attention to these areas with a hose or pressure washer. 

Don’t forget the undercarriage, which takes the brunt of road salt and water splash. Many car washes offer an undercarriage spray. Make it a regular part of your routine. At home, in warmer weather, your hose is usually sufficient unless you’ve noticed rust forming. Then we recommend treating it. 

After washing, dry your vehicle to avoid anything from minor issues like water marks, to more serious issues, like water freezing in winter. Moisture left sitting can undo the benefits of cleaning, so dry thoroughly. 

A clean surface makes it easier to spot potential rust threats and ensures treatments and protective coatings adhere properly. 

Rust is far easier and cheaper to manage in its early stages, so look for it after you’ve removed the dirt and grime from your vehicle. 

Rust often starts beneath the paint, so inspect your vehicle for paint bubbles or chips. Small bubbles, blisters, or chips in the paint are warning signs that corrosion is creeping in. Gently pressing the top of suspicious spots can reveal softer, weak areas. 

Check high-risk zones next. Pay close attention to wheel arches, the bottom edges of doors, trunk seams, hood edges, and the frame. These areas trap salt and moisture, making them hot spots for rust. 

Next, examine the undercarriage. If you can safely access the underside of your car, look for reddish-brown flakes, pitting, or weak spots. A flashlight will help reveal problem areas. 

Bolts, brake lines, and exhaust components are also vulnerable. Surface rust in these areas is common, but deeper corrosion can cause safety issues. 

If you catch rust early, you can address it with simple treatments. Once it spreads, though, repairs can become costly, requiring replacement parts or professional welding. 

Cleaning and inspecting lay the groundwork, but treatment is where you actively stop rust in its tracks and prevent future damage. 

1. Touch up paint chips using manufacturer-approved touch up paint or rust-inhibiting primers to seal chips and scratches before rust takes hold. 
2. Apply rust inhibitors. Products like rustproofing sprays, sealants, or undercoatings form a barrier against moisture. They’re especially effective on the undercarriage, suspension parts, and wheel wells. 
3. Neutralize surface rust. If you spot early rust, sand the area lightly and apply a rust converter. This chemical treatment stops the corrosion process and prepares the surface for paint or protective coatings. 
4. Wax and seal. A good coat of wax isn’t just for shine. It creates a protective layer that repels water and contaminants. Aim to wax your vehicle at least twice a year. 
5. Protect interior moisture zones. Rust doesn’t only happen outside. Wet floor mats and damp carpet can cause rust from the inside out. Regularly vacuum and dry the interior to prevent hidden corrosion on the floor pan. 

For those living in areas with harsh winters or near salty coastlines, rust treatments should be a seasonal priority. Think of it as armour for your vehicle. 

Rust prevention isn’t just about aesthetics. Untreated corrosion weakens structural integrity, reduces resale value, and leads to expensive repairs. By sticking to a simple three-step process (clean, inspect, and treat) you effectively protect your safety by keeping critical components like brake lines and frame rails intact. 

Prevention is always easier than repair. Looking for the right tools and tips to keep rust at bay? Visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store and chat with our experts.