Rust is iron oxide, a substance formed when metal is exposed to oxygen and water. Most metal will develop rust at some point if it is exposed to water, air, salt, and smog. When a car’s surface is marred by rust, the car may look older and in worse condition than it actually is, making it harder to re-sell. In addition, while a spot of rust looks like nothing more than a minor bit of cosmetic damage, over time, rust can eat away at the structure of the car and its internal connections, making it unsafe to drive. Experts in Auto Body Repair in New Jersey recommend the following tips for keeping your car rust-free.
The best protection from rust is prevention. Keep your car in a garage or carport if possible when it’s not on the road, and keep it clean of dirt and road salt that can contribute to corrosion. Washing should include the undercarriage of your car, not just the exterior. One easy way to do this is to put a sprinkler underneath your car and turn it on. If your car’s floor gets wet from salty water in the winter, use a carpet cleaner to clean the carpets. This will help remove the corrosive salt and keep your floor from rusting. Also, check for any nicks in the paint and keep the paint touched up.
If you find rust on your car, you need to repair it as soon as possible. A small spot of rust can be sanded away and repainted. First, sand the rust all the way down to the metal and then paint over it with a primer coat. Follow up with a coat of matching paint and a clear coat, and then finish by buffing. If the rust has bubbled, use a wire brush to remove it before sanding and painting. However, if the rust has already worn a hole in the metal, it cannot be repaired. You will have to cut a new piece of metal to replace it or replace the entire panel. Visit Northeast Collision Inc. website for more information about auto body repair in New Jersey.
