- Accumulations of street salt, dirt and moisture in hard to reach places under the vehicle.
- Damage to varnish and primer as a result of minor accidents or impacts with stones, gravel, etc. Car care is especially important if you live in a certain area or drive your car in certain weather conditions:
- Road salt or dust control agents contribute to rust formation, as does salty air at seaside locations or chemicals in the air in industrial areas with polluted air.
- High humidity promotes rust formation, especially at temperatures just above 0°C.
- Water or moisture in certain areas of your car that remains for a long time can also cause rust to form even though other parts of the car will be dry.
- High temperatures cause rust to form in areas of the car that do not dry out quickly enough due to insufficient ventilation.
The above reasons indicate to you that you need to keep your car, especially its lower part, as clean as possible and repair any damage to the paint or protective layer as quickly as possible.
To prevent rust from forming on your car, follow these tips:
Wash your car often. Regular car washes will certainly keep your car clean, but to prevent corrosion and rust formation, you should pay attention to the following:
- If you drive on salted roads in winter or live near the sea, you should spray the underside of your car at least once a month to reduce the possibility of rust.
- High-pressure water or steam are good for cleaning the underbody and wheel wells of your car. These areas require special attention because they are hard to see. You will cause yourself a lot of trouble if you soak dirt and stone chips without removing them. Door sills and frame parts have ventilation holes that should not be clogged with dirt, as the remaining water can cause rust.
- At the end of the winter season, thoroughly wash the underside of your car.
After washing your car, make sure the brakes are completely dry before you start driving (see below).
Check the varnished surfaces of your car. If you find scratches or peeling paint as a result of stone impact, treat these areas immediately to prevent rust formation. If peeling or scratches reach the bare metal, such defects should be repaired in a workshop.
Check your car from the inside. Water and dirt can collect under the floor mats and cause corrosion. Therefore, carefully inspect the surface under the mats to ensure that it is dry. When transporting chemicals, cleaning agents, salt, etc., be especially careful that these substances are transported in appropriate containers. If they are spilled or spilled anywhere, clean and dry the area immediately.
Use mud flaps on your wheels. If you drive on a road sprinkled with salt or gravel, they protect your car. It is best to use wide mudguards for this. We advise you to use special anti-corrosion protection in the places where the mudguards are installed, which can be provided at a service station.
Do not leave your car in a damp or poorly ventilated garage. If you wash your car in such a garage or leave it there wet or covered in snow, it may become so wet that rust will begin to form. Even if your garage is heated, if there is poor ventilation, a wet car can rust.