Rust is considered a car’s silent killer. Rust can make an expensive new car look like a beat-up one. It can lower your car’s resale value and if you don’t treat it, it can even make your car unsafe to drive. Ignoring car rust can send your car to an early death. However, we have good news for you. Rust is actually treatable and also entirely prevented. It’s important to understand what causes rust, and how to identify it in order to prevent it.

What Is Rust?

Knowing rust’s proper name it’s helpful to understand what rust is. Iron Oxide. This is made up of two iron atoms and three oxygen atoms. It gets formed when corrosion occurs. Corrosion happens when a metal that contains iron, like the metal found in your car, gets exposed to oxygen and moisture for long periods of time.

In order for rust to appear it only needs two electrodes and an electrolyte. And your car actually already has electrodes present in it. It really is just a matter of time where you add water (electrolytes), and it results in a perfect condition for rust.

How The Environment Can Make Rust Worse

Iron oxide can be present in any place in the world, but certain environments are optimal for rust to happen. People who live near the water have higher chances of having rust because salt and humidity are higher.

We now know that water causes corrosion, however it is a poor conductor of electrons. The saltwater on the other can is an efficient conductor. The most obvious source of water is rain. So if it rains or snows, cover your car. If you live in a place where the environment is bad for rust, you can add a protective coating to diminish the risk.

How Does Rust Damage A Car?

Eating The Body And Chassis

This can lead to structural failure. Once this happens, a car is considered unsafe to drive. Your car’s paint gives it a level of protection by preventing water from touching bare metal. If however, your paint is scratched or chipped, the metal that is exposed will begin to rust eventually.

Rust Inside The Engine

This a very serious problem to have. If you use low-quality fuel, water can find its way through it, or through condensation. If this happens inside your engine cylinder and touches the pistons, it can cause excessive wear. There are modern lubrication systems that can prevent this from happening, but you need to take care of it to not expose the engine to water.

Common Areas of Rust On Cars

Some areas of a car are more prone to rust and these are:

Any kind of exposed, bare metal
Anywhere water can gather
Trunk compartment
Around trailer hitches
Frame/chassis
Wheel wells and hubs

You should pay extra attention to when you clean your car, if you’re using a high-pressure washer, hit these areas at multiple angles to really clean them out.

How To Stop Rust From Destroying Your Car

Make The Car Wash Your Best Friend

Sounds crazy after everything we’ve just said, but more water is actually the best way to prevent rust. Don’t wait until your car looks really dirty to take it to a wash. Some elements that attack your vehicle’s paint aren’t really visible to the naked eye.

A high-pressure cleaner is the best way to wash your car. This makes it easier to clean hard to reach spots like inside wheels and undercarriage corners. Try washing it once a week or professionally cleaned every other month.

Give It a Regular Glance

Keep your eyes open for any rust to the car’s paint that could be exposed to metal when you’re washing your car. Pay attention to the seals’ condition, water channels, and even drain holes.

Get Car Rust Repaired Before It Spreads

Once you’ve noticed a potential issue or signs of early rust, fixing it before it can spread can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars later on. The more rust is found in a car, the more hours it takes to fix.

Use An Anti-Rust Coating

Manufacturers use a lot of layers of rust protection. However, you can buy some yourself. If you notice rust problems or live near the ocean, a professionally applied rust protective coat can get rid of potential rust problems.

Rust Experts In Las Vegas

Rust can happen relatively quickly. Maintaining your car’s paint, inspecting your car, and sticking to a washing routine can prevent most issues. If your car has extreme rust damage, Sudden Impact Auto can help! Our professional technicians can get your car looking like new in no time. Give us a call at 702-457-3002 today!