As long as there are vehicles made of steel exposed to oxygen and moisture in the air, car and truck owners will have to deal with rust. Older cars and vintage cars are especially vulnerable to rust, but even new cars with treated galvanized steel will eventually rust, and getting after it quickly is critical to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Rust occurs when the iron in the body of the car reacts with oxygen and moisture in a process called oxidation. The reaction produces iron oxide, or rust, and you’ll most frequently find it in places that retain moisture, such as crevices in the undercarriage, grooves along doors and trim, and in wheel wells. You’ll also find that surface areas where paint has chipped from a rock or an unrepaired fender bender are especially vulnerable because the steel is exposed.

If you own a vintage car, you will need to be more vigilant, as the metals used years ago were not as resistant to rust, and the paints used did not provide the protection they do today.

Dealing with car rust

Rust on a vehicle can range from light surface rust that appears pitted to rusted-through areas where the metal has deteriorated and left holes. Rust is a constant enemy to any vehicle, and once it has started it will return more quickly even if you think you have removed it. The good news is a timely repair done properly can buy you several years before it comes back. Consider the following:

• Surface rust can be repaired with careful sanding to remove all traces of rust. Follow with a quality primer and fresh paint. You will generally need to repaint the entire panel where the rust was treated.
• Rust that has started to bubble up or created a hole should be repaired by removing the rusted area and welding new sheet metal to the area. Priming and painting should follow.
• Professional repairs are best and will include sandblasting and a rustproofing primer.

Preventing rust on your vehicle

You know your car will get chipped or scratched at some point, so you know it will be vulnerable to developing rust during its lifetime. You can help limit the damage from rust by doing the following:

• Wash and wax on a regular basis. A clean car is less likely to hold moisture against the surface, a chassis bath removes the salt and dirt that can encourage corrosion, and wax provides a protective barrier that allows the paint to repel dirt and moisture.
• Park your car undercover whenever possible to keep rain and dew off the surface. A temperature-controlled garage is an ideal way to keep your car dry. If you own a vintage car, avoid covering it with a plastic cover, as it will hold moisture against the surface of the car. You may also consider a dehumidifier for the storage space.
• Ask your car dealership or your body shop professional about rust inhibitors that can protect the more vulnerable parts of your vehicle.
• Check your vehicle regularly for chips and scratches and repair them immediately to prevent rust from starting in these exposed areas.

For professional rust repair that keeps your vehicle looking great and helps slow down the return of rust, contact Hudson Collision. Our body shop experts repair damage from everything from spreading rust to minor and major collisions. Call today or click here for details on all our collision services