How to Protect Your Car Truck From Rusting Over the Winter

Rust can be a serious issue for your vehicle. The damage caused by rust can ruin body panels and even compromise the strength and rigidity of the vehicle’s frame. Prevent these issues by properly taking care of your vehicle’s exterior and taking action when signs of rust begin to appear. The best way to stop rust is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

In recent years, many state and local transportation departments have shifted from using rock salt to liquid de-icers (brine) to combat ice and snow on the roadways. These newer alternatives are more effective than traditional salt because they can be applied before a snowstorm, have a lower freezing point, and melt ice and snow faster.

However, these same characteristics are much more damaging to vehicles since the chemicals remain in liquid form longer and are more likely to coat components and seep into cracks and crevices where corrosion can accelerate.

As a result, cars incur rust-related damage to brake lines, fuel tanks, exhaust systems, and other critical components. In the past five years, researchers noted, 22 million drivers have paid an average of nearly $500 to fix problems caused by rust from road de-icers — rivaling that other wintertime car foe, the pothole, which cost 30 million U.S. drivers between approximately $250 and $1,000 per incident in 2016.

First thing’s first, it’s important to regularly inspect your car and its undercarriage for signs of rust. Aside from the undercarriage, other areas to pay attention to are the fenders and other areas not immediately visible.

First Things First, Lets Check For Rust

Hints of rust aren’t always obvious. Even something as innocent as a tiny scratch or nick can spell trouble. Keep an eye out for small scratches and treat them before they begin to erode. Also, look for dark spots in the paint, as these are usually symptoms of rusting metal beneath.

Checking the undercarriage is tricky if your car sits low and you don’t have the equipment to raise it. In that case, get your friends here at Michalak to inspect it next time you bring your car in for any service.

What Can Be Done To Stop This Issue?

Have you considered Vehicle Oil Undercoating to protect the underside of your vehicle? Let us help you protect your vehicle from the rust we all hate? Here at Michalak, We have invested in this service and have trained technicians ready to apply coating where your car or truck needs it the most, including all of the hidden areas other service providers miss. This means your vehicle is completely protected from rust. 

All our specialized products will protect your vehicle against damage caused by salt, liquid de-icing and winter driving conditions. They are designed to penetrate the seams and crevices. It eliminates moisture. It actually eliminates/removes oxygen and moisture from the surface and stops rust and corrosion in all metals while present. It protects vinyl and plastic surfaces from UV rays and improves the function of moving parts through lubrication. Our environmentally friendly products contain no solvents and detergents Stop by with your friends at Michalak Service Station today for an evaluation!