Winter is Coming: Keep Your Car From Rusting

Most modern cars are built using unit body construction techniques, meaning there are no separate frame and chassis. In modern cars the underside of the body, which the suspension components attach to directly, is a major structural part of the vehicle. So, if the body rusts out from underneath, the structural integrity of the car is greatly compromised. There is a chance that if you see a little rust through on the upper body, it may be too late for the underneath.

This is why it is critical to maintain your car against rust.  With a little bit of time and effort you can keep the elements from slowly eating away at your car.

Prepare Your Car Before Winter Sets In

Now is the time to pay attention to all of the stone chips and scratches you may have acquired over the summer months. When winter comes, you don’t want any bare metal showing as this will instantly turn to rust. Get a bottle of matching touch up paint from any auto parts store and touch up all of these areas (get the paint code from the manufacturer‘s sticker on the door jamb of your car). Stay within the area on the chip or scratch, just don’t glob the paint on. It is better to use several thin coats than one heavy coat. 

Let the paint cure for at least 24 hours then give the car  two heavy coats of wax. Get inside the door jambs and inside the wheel lips. Basically, you want to cover all painted surfaces.  Don’t forget to wax your alloy wheels, also.

Use lithium grease to lubricate all door, trunk, and hood hinges. 

Invest in a set of molded mug guards, available at the dealer for about $80 a set. These will keep stones, salt, and road debris from hitting the side of your vehicle and damaging the paint.

During the Salt Season

Now that winter has arrived, you want to keep the salt washed off your car as much as you can, especially when the temperature rises above 20 degrees F. Rust seems to form quicker at higher temperatures, so there is no need to go to the car wash when the temperature is 10 degrees F. With a high pressure hose, make sure you cover the entire vehicle. Most importantly, spray the undercarriage and inside the wheel wells, since dirt and mud collect in these areas and make conditions perfect for rust to start forming. 

When Spring Arrives

When warm weather comes, assess any damage to your car. Give it a good washing at your local car wash. Make sure you give the underneath and inside the wheel wells a good flushing. My Grandpa used to drive his car through big water puddles the spring rains would leave to help wash the salt from under his car. If you do this, be careful not to hydroplane. Give the car a good cleaning and wax the exterior. If there are any new chips, touch them up.