Should I Rustproof My New Car?

After the purchase of any new car, an opportunity to rust proof arises. Should you do it, or is it just a waste of money? First, it’s important to know what rust is. Rust is an example of corrosion. When iron (which is in steel) and oxygen mix with air or water, rust occurs. Eventually, rust can take over any iron mass and cause it to disintegrate. Corrosion can also occur when dirt or moisture accumulate on a car’s underbody.

Rust is a serious problem and spreads like a rash. It can shorten the lifespan and value of any vehicle. That’s why you want to rust proof your vehicle.

Since rust is a possibility in just about every car, automakers these days are galvanizing steel used in cars in order to lower the risk of rusting. Older vehicles were very prone to rust, but new cars have different ways to fight against corrosion and have made massive strides. While they may be more rust resistant than rust proof, they do protect against corrosion better than ever before.

Galvanised Steel Protected From Rusting

Galvanised steel has a coating of zinc to protect it from rusting. Oxygen and zinc don’t react like iron and oxygen do, so galvanized steel doesn’t rust. This process is also pretty low-cost; so many automakers are doing it.

But that doesn’t mean new cars are invincible. If a car has been in an accident, and unprotected steel was exposed, there’s still a chance of rust occurring.

So, if that zinc coating gets chipped, the metal underneath is at risk of rusting. Same thing on a car’s paint finish, if a rock-chip cuts deep enough into a car’s paint job, it can still rust. This rust occurs on the outside of the car, and while it’s ugly, it’s not a catastrophic problem. Fortunately, car frames are also galvanized and well protected from chipping as well.

Defends Against More Than Just Rust

At SuperCool we understand that new cars are well protected, but also believe that new chemicals on the road are more corrosive.

The chemicals used on our roads are far more corrosive than those used in the past. Add to this the high humidity and variations in temperature and you have a recipe for rust.

Although protecting body panels and vehicle frames against rust is important, the best rust inhibiting products also protect electrical areas such as battery terminals, wiring harnesses, switches and plugs from moisture. Keeping these areas protected with the right type of product will greatly reduce repair costs and vehicle breakdowns. Lubrication of moving mechanical parts like brake cables, suspension components, and door hinges is another benefit of a good rust inhibitor/lubricant.

The Verdict

There should be no question. You really should rustproof.

Overall rust is far less present now than it was 20 years ago and the choice of whether to invest in rust proofing really comes down to how long you plan to keep your vehicle. If you bought your car new, rustproofing was one of the big upsells. A dealer will highly recommend you have your car rustproofed, and we agree with them. We just don’t agree that it should cost 500 bucks, or 750, or a grand if they really saw you coming.

First. If you plan on ditching your car at the end of a lease, don’t bother rustproofing. It can be someone else’s problem, which sounds mean but it’s true. But if you’re going to keep this car, and cars are lasting longer than ever, or sell it privately at some point, rustproofing is your friend. One caveat, if you opt for rustproofing, take it to a place that specialises in it, like us here at SuperCool. It may look simple, but one lazy application by a poorly trained technician means your car is vulnerable.

It’s never too late to start rustproofing your car, and remember, it’s what you can’t see that should concern you.