You’ll see all sorts of issues with vehicles brought into an auto body shop, from exterior flaws to complicated mechanical issues. It may be an afterthought to many drivers and vehicle owners, and it usually costs extra to have. But is it necessary and is it worth it?
After mechanic training, you’re going to want to be able to answer these questions for your future clients. They will be trusting you with their most valuable assets, and will look to you for guidance when they don’t have all the answers. As it turns out, rust proofing isn’t just an expensive upsell for the car salesman to try and tack on to each customer’s purchase. With how long cars are lasting these days, you want to give them the right care to hold up for as long as they can, making good use of its full life. Keep reading to learn more about rust proofing and why it’s important.
Rust Prevention Is Cheaper Than the Cure in Auto Detailing
What you’ll find in auto detailing is that preventative measures are often the way to go when it comes to protecting the exterior of a vehicle. Applying added features, such as a nano-ceramic coating or a protective film, can greatly reduce the impact of environmental damage to the vehicle. This holds true for rust proofing.
Rust begins to form in hard-to-notice places, hidden beneath the hood or under the belly of the car in the frame and suspension system. By the time the vehicle owner notices the rust, it has likely already started to affect many different areas of the car and can cause serious damage. Repairing and replacing all of the rusted parts to ensure the safety and integrity of the car becomes incredibly expensive, which is why rust proofing is the better option to avoid all of this.
The Process of Rust Proofing for Vehicle Protection
The process of rust proofing has changed slightly over the years, but the general goal has always been the same, which is to prevent moisture from reaching the metal. This stops the accelerated corrosion that rust will inevitably have on the vehicle. Professional automotive detailing shops usually have technicians trained in preventative maintenance that can apply rust proofing.
A common rust proofing option offered at dealerships is a tar-based spray, which forms a hardened barrier around the metal underneath your car. Another option is a dripless oil spray, which technicians apply to harder to reach areas of the car by drilling holes into places like the door panels. Both options require yearly inspections to make sure there are no chips or cracks that have formed in the rust proofing layer, and many rust proofing options come with long-term warranties.
Improved Manufacturing Processes Aren’t Enough to Avoid Rust
It’s true that cars made after the year 2006 are made of a metallic combination that is better at resisting rust than previous materials. However, this galvanized steel combination with a zinc coating doesn’t do enough to fully prevent rust from occurring. The zinc reacts differently with water, and it decreases the chance of rust breaking through.
What’s important to think about is the damage caused by bumps, rocks, and other debris which create cracks and chips in the car’s paint coatings. In places with harsh winters and where salt on the streets is a guarantee, rust will develop even more quickly. No matter the location, this improved metal technology will only last a few years against the danger of rust, and rust proofing will undoubtedly need to be done eventually to protect the vehicle.
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