Causes of Car Rust & How to Prevent it Through Maintenance

As a car owner, you take pride in your vehicle and want it to look good for many years. While this is a wish for many people, the lifespan of a car’s paint and finish is influenced by a number of factors. If your car sits outside all year long or you neglect to keep it clean, your car may develop issues with rust. No one wants a car with rust spots; it doesn’t look appealing and worst of all, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle if left unchecked.

What is Rust and Were is the Car Most Prone to Developing it?

The primer and paint used on a car is adapted to provide protection from rust, but if over time this coating becomes scratched or damaged, moisture can make contact with the bare metal under the paint. If this happens, you may begin to notice unsightly brown rust patches on your car. Car rust results from a corrosion of the metal on your vehicle. If the weather is very humid and damp, rust may develop more easily. Salt can also cause major corrosion, so if your car has been near the ocean, take extra precautions. The same is also true of the salt used on roads to help melt the ice in the winter. If possible, store your car in a garage during the harsh winter months and clean it regularly to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle’s appearance.

But keep in mind, there are parts of a car that are more susceptible to rust than others:

• The exhaust system
• The chassis
• The frame
• The engine
• The trunk compartment
• Painted surfaces

Preventing Car Rust

It is often much easier to prevent rust than to get rid of it! Our auto service technicians at Speedy Apollo recommend examining your paint’s finish on a regular basis. Doing so will ensure you catch dents, scratches or bubbles before they progress and cause damage. If you notice damage to the paint, you can purchase a sealant and apply it to the damaged area to prevent rust from forming. You can also use anti-rust spray on your car to prevent future rust if you know the conditions your car is operating in are less than ideal for rust prevention. For extra care, wash your car every 2 weeks and make sure to wash off salt from the winter roads. Visit a car repair shop in Calgary to have the damage assessed to determine if the rust has caused any issues with the functioning of your vehicle.

Minimizing the Effects of Rust

Fixing car rust yourself can be challenging. If you are familiar with the process, you may be able to remove spots with sandpaper and a sand block, or you may have to grind the corroded metal away and repaint the affected area.

If you don’t want to get rid of the rust yourself, or if your rust damage is extensive, consider bringing your car into our auto repair and maintenance shop in Calgary. We will remove the rust and fix the paint, or if need be we will replace the rusted section of your car and make sure it’s safe enough to drive. If the rust has caused significant issues with your vehicle and its functioning, we will fix those too.

For professional and reliable car maintenance in Calgary, contact Speedy Apollo. We’re here to assist you with rust prevention and management, as well as many other auto services right here in Calgary. Call us today or visit us online.