Rust is bad news for your vehicle in several ways.
It’s unsightly. It can hurt your vehicle’s resale value, and if left unchecked, rust can even damage the structural integrity of your car, truck, or SUV.
But the one silver lining (or should we say orange-colored lining) is that rust can give you a visual indicator of the overall health of your vehicle. If the exterior shows signs of rust, there may also be less visible issues.
Rust is cancer for your car. The harsher the climate you live in, the more likely your vehicle will experience rust.
So, what causes rust? According to How Stuff Works, rust needs an anode, cathode, and electrolyte to form. The metal in your car serves as the anode and the cathode. Water is the missing link. It’s an electrolyte, and that’s the final piece needed to create the chemical reaction that causes rust. Saltwater makes the problem even worse. That’s why parts of the country with high humidity in the summer and the places that use rock salt on icy roads in the winter make cars even more vulnerable to rusty corrosion.
That same salt and water can damage the exterior of your car can damage other parts. Salt can eat through your shocks and struts. It can chew through your brake lines, fuel tank, and other vital components. If you begin to see signs of exterior rust, it’s a good idea to get your car to a trusted mechanic to inspect other critical parts.
The good news is that there are many ways you can prevent rust on both the exterior and the undercarriage of your car.
- Wash and wax your car regularly. At least every two weeks is recommended. Washing removes the corrosive elements from contact with your car’s metal, and the wax works as rustproof.
- Park your car in a garage or use a vehicle cover, particularly in winter.
- If you drive through sand or on salty roads, rinse the underside of your car with a hose after it has cooled off.
- If you start to see signs of minor rust, address it immediately. It’s much easier and less expensive to address before the rust expands.
Keeping your vehicle rust-free increases your car’s durability, reliability, and overall lifespan.
Keeping your vehicle running is what we do at Protect My Car. We offer a number of protection plans, built specifically for your vehicle’s age and mileage. All at a price that fits your budget. Never be caught off guard again by expensive, unexpected car repair bills with a coverage plan from Protect My Car.
Protect My Car is a vehicle service contract provider, also referred to as extended car warranty provider, with multiple coverage plans for new and used vehicles with low to higher mileage to help meet your needs and budget. Protect My Car customers work directly with the company for customer service, claims administration and contract financing. No middleman or the need for third-party approval. All Protect My Car Plans include best-in-class claims and customer support, 24/7 roadside assistance, free oil changes and tire rotations and the exclusive PMC Rewards Plan, providing daily deals, giveaways, coupons, and thousands of ways to save money every day. Protect My Car has a 30-day money-back guarantee.