One of the most crucial factors a car owner must consider when it comes to maintenance is rust prevention. Protecting your vehicle from rust and corrosion is a serious undertaking because once rust forms it is difficult to eliminate, and damage and destruction done by rust is irreversible.

What is Rust?

Rust is a reddish brown oxide that can accumulate on iron and its alloys, like steel and other metals. Rust is formed when oxygen and moisture come into contact with these metals for prolonged periods. Rust is actually an iron oxide, which is created from electrochemical reactions produced by the combination of these elements.

Why is Rust Formation so Prevalent?

When you think of the components required for rust formation: oxygen, moisture, and metal, it is no surprise that rust and corrosion is problematic for a lot of car owners. Many vehicle owners tend to take on an attitude of surrender, believing there is no effective way to prevent rust from forming.

Obviously, your vehicle is made up of metal components, and it is going to be exposed to oxygen and moisture on a regular basis. Effective measures can be taken to stop rust before it starts.

Outdoor Elements

Depending on the season, there are a variety of outdoor elements and weather conditions to take into consideration. 

Canadian winters can ravage the metal components on your vehicle if not properly protected. Not only is there a continual presence of oxygen and moisture around your vehicle during the winter, there are also roads covered in salt and sand to contend with. Road salt accelerates the formation of rust and can easily get entrapped in the cracks and crevices or your vehicle, slowing breaking down the metals. 

As the weather changes and temperatures warm up, this is when those concealed salt deposits really start to go to work on corroding your vehicle. Canada’s changing seasons put an even greater burden on car owners to ensure vehicles are adequately safeguarded.

Is Manufacturer Rust Proofing Enough?

Automobile producers often take some precautions to prevent vehicles from rusting before the car is even driven off the lot. A technique called galvanization employs the use of chemical solutions to provide vehicles with a built-in layer of rust proofing.

However, this protection eventually wears off as time goes on and should be replaced with another form of rust proofing. Even small scratches on the body of your vehicle caused by rocks or debris coming off the road can compromise the effectiveness of manufacturer rust protection.

To ensure your car is fully protected, regular maintenance checks and rust proofing services can increase the value and life of your vehicle.

Tips for Rust Prevention

Engaging in a few helpful practices can help prevent rust from forming and destroying the body of your vehicle.

Some useful rust prevention tips, include:

• Regular car washes
• Wax and sealants
• Cleaning and detailing
• Expert rust proofing

Regular Car Washes

Having your car washed on a regular basis is not only good for the appearance, but also for performance and protection. A professional car wash will help remove any embedded salt, dirt, and other contaminants that can damage your vehicle.

Wax and Sealants

Applying wax or sealers after a wash is an effective way to protect the finish from chips and scratches. Your paintjob provides a good level of protection for the metal body, but if the metal becomes exposed, it is vulnerable to rusting. Waxing helps keep the finish intact.

Cleaning and Detailing

It is also critical to keep the inside of your vehicle clean to prevent rust formation. Rust damage can start from the inside of your car if it is not kept clean. Accumulated dirt and grime can attract moisture, creating the perfect conditions for rust and corrosion.

Professional detailing can help keep your vehicle in pristine condition, inside and out.

Rust Proofing Brampton

For professional rust proofing and auto maintenance in Brampton and the GTA, Valvoline Express Care offers an excellent solution.

The experts at Valvoline can help extend the life of your vehicle, while preventing rust, deterioration, and break down.

As a vehicle owner, it can be particularly challenging to find affordable ways to protect your vehicle from damage and keep it running at optimal levels. Auto maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can end up saving you considerable sums of money in the long run. One of the most crucial aspects of routine maintenance car owners should be concerned with is rust protection. Rust and corrosion can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. As rust forms and spreads it can eradicate the metal components on your vehicle. This includes the body of your car that protects you from accidents and injury. If the body of your vehicle is compromised by corrosion, it is not safe for you and your passengers.

Brampton Auto Rust Proofing

Drivers in Canada are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to vehicle protection due to extreme weather conditions and perpetually changing seasons. In the winter, your car sees exposure to ice, snow, and salt, followed by periods of heavy rain in spring, and baking heat in the summer. This seasonal cycle provides an ideal recipe for rust formation. So, when is a good time for professional rust proofing? Car owners in Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, and all around the GTA can benefit from Valvoline Express Care expert rust proofing services.

When to Rust Proof

Truth be told, there is really no wrong time to rust proof your vehicle as long as it is clean when the rust protection is applied.

Rust Proofing New Vehicles

Just after a vehicle is purchased makes for ideal time to have it safeguarded against rust formation. Many manufacturers offer rust proofing as an add-on feature, leaving it up to the new owner to decide if it is a necessary feature. If your new vehicle does not include rust proofing, or the manufacturer rust protection appears to be sub-standard, then getting a professional auto service to do your rust proofing is recommended.

Rust Proofing Used Vehicles

Regardless of how old your vehicle is, it is never too late to have it safeguarded against rust and corrosion. The most important aspect of rust proofing a used vehicle is to make sure the automobile is thoroughly cleaned before application. Implementing rust proofing to a vehicle covered in dirt and grime is counter-productive. For the ultimate protection of a used vehicle, having the car professionally cleaned and detailed before rust proofing is the way to go. This type of investment can end up saving you money on expensive repair bills, and can help preserve the resale value.

Rust Proofing Techniques

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to rust protection, depending on your vehicle type and objectives. Some rust proofing options include:

• Undercoating
• Oil spray
• Drip spray

Undercoating

Protecting the undercarriage of your vehicle is essential for the prevention of rust and corrosion. The underside of your car is susceptible to chips and cracks caused by debris flying up off the road. Undercoating spray provides a rubberized layer of protection against scratches and blemishes, as well as the salt and moisture that lead to rust formation.

Oil Spray

This technique uses a viscous oil-based spray which is applied to the metal components of the vehicle. It dries quickly and hardens to form a thick, protective layer. Due to the viscosity and inflexibility of the substance, it is difficult to get into cracks and crevices.

Drip Spray

One of the more popular methods of rust proofing application is the drip spray approach. Drip spray employs the use of a more watery oil-based spray, that trickles down and gets into all the corners and hard to reach areas.

Steps to Successful Rust Proofing

To provide your vehicle with optimal rust protection, the job should be done thoroughly and properly by a trained professional. Expert rust proofers help ensure:

• Your vehicle is meticulously cleaned before rust proofing
• The undercarriage is fully coated and covered
• Rust protection is comprehensive and effective