How to Prevent Rust on Cars

April 27th, 2018 by

Red Rusty Car

Learning how to prevent rust on cars is vital if you want yours to continue looking its best for years to come. All you need to do is:

  • Clean the Drains
  • Wash Regularly
  • Wax Your Car
  • Wipe Up Interior Spills

Vital Steps for Rust Prevention on Cars

  • Clean the Drains: Plenty of drivers don’t know their car has small drains in various locations – these are designed to prevent water collecting in rust-prone areas. The problem is that those drains can get plugged up with leaves, dirt, and other debris. When that happens, they’ll be keeping water in instead of draining it away. These drains are usually found along the bottom of doors, in the tailgate, at the bottom of fenders, and in the floors.
  • Wash Regularly: Modern vehicles use galvanized sheet metal to help prevent rust, but any built-up of dirt, mud, sand, or salt is going to wear away the protective finish and lead to those pesky red spots. The best way to prevent that happening is to keep your car clean. You can always take care of this by hand, but it’s just as effective to visit a car wash. High-pressure water is excellent because it cannot trap dirt, and most car washes have an optional undercarriage wash that will get places you wouldn’t reach by hand. Remember to wash more regularly in winter when the roads have been salted.
  • Wax Your Car: Think waxing your car is simply a way to create a mirror-like sheen and attract attention as you drive through Naperville, Aurora, or Chicago? It’s about more than just looks — waxing also creates an effective seal over your bodywork to keep water off of the vehicle, and that’s extremely helpful if you want to prevent rust from forming.
  • Wipe Up Interior Spills: People often assume that preventing rust only entails paying attention to a vehicle’s exterior, but you’ll also want to keep the cabin dry. If you spill anything as you’re driving, make sure you mop up as much as you can and remove the excess moisture.
Soapy Sponge Washing Car
Hand Waxing Car

Look to Valley Honda to Stop Rust on Your Car

If you ever notice even a small spot of rust, it’s important to bring your vehicle to a professional as soon as possible. At our detail center, we’ll help keep your vehicle in prime condition. We even remove dents!

Posted in Car Care, FAQs, Maintenance