Car rust: Tips for preventing rust

Indicating a sign of negligence or a clear sign of the passage of time, the appearance of car rust is one of the biggest contributors to the depreciation of a vehicle. And it’s more than just an eyesore: rust can damage your vehicle’s parts and thereby potentially endanger you. Fortunately, our team of trusted technicians at Certified Auto Repair has a number of excellent tips for rust prevention. Find out more today by reading this article!  

Why do cars rust? 

Rust appears on a vehicle when metal becomes stripped and exposed to moisture. It’s therefore mainly in places where the paint is cracked, flaking or scratched that rusting occurs. Examples include rust building up around car wheels, in the lower body or under the vehicle, in wheel fenders, or even on the insides of doors. 

There are several factors that can increase the risk of rust formation.   

Common ones include: 

• Salt and calcium, which are spread on the roads in winter to prevent snow and ice buildup, increase water conductivity and accelerate the risk of corrosion. 
• Air pollution and acid rain, which are very corrosive. 
• Rapid changes in temperature, especially from cold, dry weather to hot, humid conditions.  
• Heat causes metal to expand, allowing humidity to penetrate the surface and trigger corrosion.

However, our trusted technicians know a few tips that not only keep your vehicle looking good, but also extend its lifespan.  

Eliminate rust in 6 easy steps 

 To keep your vehicle safe from damage and rust stains, while preventing rust from developing, follow these tips! 

1. Keep your distance from other vehicles:

Vehicles you’re following can kick up debris such as pebbles or road salt that damage your vehicle. Leave a bit of extra distance.

2. Drive slower:

The faster your vehicle is going, the more forcefully debris hits it. So, easy on the gas. 

3. Install exterior protection accessories:

Mudflaps, grille guards and transparent plastic protector strips are never a bad idea. Learn more about accessories to reduce the appearance of car rust. 

4. Wash your vehicle regularly:

Frequent (and gentle!) washing will clean away any impurities that might damage the car body. Applying a quality wax treatment is a must, especially in winter!

5. Have your vehicle rustproofed:

This helps protect your vehicle’s parts from the salt used on the roads in winter. In Quebec, this isn’t merely a precautionary measure. Discover the different rustproofing treatments offered at Certified Auto Repair.

6. Get an electronic rust protection system:

Did you know that there are products designed to eliminate car rust? Also called an electronic rust inhibitor, this device prevents rust from forming by sending a weak electric current through the metal in your vehicle.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to prevent rust that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.   

To stack all the odds in your favour, here’s a reminder:  

• Keep your car clean. 
• Get the proper accessories.  
• Carry out regular rustproofing treatments at your trusted Certified Auto Repair repair shop. 
• Adapt your driving every day! 

Certified Auto Repair: Your ideal partner for a clean and safe vehicle!  

Do you want to optimize the performance and maintain the appearance of your vehicle, whether new or used? Trust in the renowned expertise of a network of over 5,000 repair shops across North America: Certified Auto Repair. The size of our network enables us to offer local service, no matter where you are in North America. You will always find a repair shop you can trust. 

Find your nearest Certified Auto Repair repair shop using our repair shop locator. 

What’s more, thanks to our three roadside assistance warranties, you benefit from additional coverage on all our repairs or maintenance, as well as a towing service in the event of a problem. Find out more about the one that suits you.  

At Certified Auto Repair, our competent technicians keep you behind the wheel safely and with peace of mind, wherever you are!