Saturday, January 12, 2013

Automotive Corrosion & Rust

By Sophie F. Yuliya


Rusting not only reduces the aesthetics of the car, it also corrodes the structure causing much damage. This happens when a car is exposed to the elements. It interacts with the ferrous metals on the vehicle's body. An interesting fact is more cars are sent to the junkyards today due to rusting than mechanical failures. A tiny section seen on the outside means that there is a huge damaged section underneath.



There are several ways to avoid rust from spreading. First, there is an undercoat that is used by car manufacturers. Second, rustproofing can be applied when requested by the buyer. The standard factory undercoating is usually not enough to give complete protection. It covers metal surfaces with a compound that is petroleum based. Rustproofing can be a good investment if you don't change cars often. It can even add 1 year to the life of the automobile. The most ideal time to rust proof before reaches 3,000 miles that's around three months. Beyond this time, most cars have already accumulated moisture retaining grime which kicks of the rusting process. It's not advisable to do so after the car has been exposed to wet areas especially sea salt. Some people may advise you that when you go car shopping that some brands are better than others. The logic is that some brands are more premium and use fresh metal rather than cheaper recycled metal. There may be merit in this idea . In other cases its car by car. If you used vehicle was sourced from Toronto Canada where they line the streets with salt in the winter- well its not a good sign. Before you buy that vehicle - say that you are a far away in The Pas , Churchill or Thompson Manitoba -an easy to be had online car-fax title and history search might be a good idea before you sign on the dotted line and finance the car or truck. Yet if you have purchased and are driving some old Ford in Winnipeg - then all in all - its wiser and best to take the rust bucket to an actual M.P.I. authorized collision center repair shop in say the Waverley Auto Mall or such a major automotive repair center in Manitoba. Regardless you might say - only if I buy an older Chevrolet Corvette with a fiberglass non-rusting body , or a stainless steel vintage Delorean vehicle can i ever avoid the rust game.

The kit contains detailed instructions and has enough material for a full-size car. The whole process, including cleaning and drying, will take 4-5 hours. Wear goggles to protect your eyes and have two sets of old clothes to change in. Rustproofing should not be done in humid weather when metal parts are damp. Do not treat any section that emits heat like the engine, radiator core, manifold, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, drive shaft, manifold, and transmission. Seals, tubes, and gaskets can become brittle as it is the effect on rubber. This includes tires which should be covered in plastic or thick towels. Should you spill some on yourself, kerosene or a mineral solvent can remove it easily.

Prior to rustproofing, get professional steam-clean wash for your engine and its compartment. Clean the car thoroughly and use a wire brush to remove small particles, including loose rust. The brush is good to use for the hood, firewall, wheel cover panels, battery mount, mounting brackets and inside the trunk. Make sure that all the drain holes are clear as well.

Prior to application, get a professional steam engine-clean. Use a wire brush to remove loose dirt and rust. Drain holes must be cleared. Prepare safety jacks so that the under-body can be treated. Be sure to include the exterior removable trims on the car like, holes and clips. You are on your way to a rust-free vehicle!




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