If you have an older vehicle or one that often drives over road salt in the winter, you might be at risk of rust. Automobile rust isn't just unattractive, it can cause corrosion that eats away at the body of your vehicle and which then requires extensive repairs. Here are some ways to prevent rust and get rid of it if you find it on the body of your car.
Wash Your Car on a Regular Basis
The first thing you need to do when you want to prevent rust on your car is to wash it regularly. Rust often occurs from areas of the car that deal with excessive dirt, buildup, and salt on the ground. You may not notice that your car has a lot of salt or dust, but you will definitely notice it when it turns to rust. Make sure you are getting your car washed thoroughly, not just working on the outside body. Make sure you get the car's undercarriage as well. You can either wash it on your own or bring it to a local car wash. Just make sure all those little nooks and crannies are clean and dry.
Clear the Drain Holes
The next thing you want to do is make sure water is draining properly through your vehicle. When it rains, water gets trapped into the panels and doors of your vehicle. It should escape through drain holes located at the bottom of these panels. However, if these holes get a buildup of debris, the water remains there, which can then cause rust. Check for the drain holes and use pipe cleaners to make sure they are clear. This will reduce a buildup of water, which is very damaging to your car, often leading to rust and corrosion over time.
Keep the Vehicle Dry
It is also essential that your vehicle always remain dry. Extra moisture on metal is often what leads to rust. You might be washing your car and drying the outside of it, but forgetting about the undercarriage where it is difficult to see excess moisture. Unfortunately, these are areas where rust is common, so you need to make sure it is dried completely. Instead of air drying after washing your car, you can reduce the risk of rust and corrosion by drying the entire vehicle with a towel.
If you find rust on your vehicle, it is important to remove it as soon as possible before it gets worse. An auto body shop, like Custom Kar Tops, may be able to do this for you.