Rust can be a problem for your car.Rust can ruin body panels and compromise the strength and rigidity of the vehicle's frame.When signs of rust begin to appear, take action by properly taking care of your vehicle's exterior.The best way to stop rust is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Step 1: Take care of your wheel wells and bumpers.
Your wheel wells can be a trouble spot for rust.People neglect to inspect them because they are dirty and hard to see.If you remove the wheel from your vehicle to check the well for rust, you should use a flashlight.When rotating your tires, make sure to check the areas your bumpers attach to the vehicle.If there is too much dirt or mud in the wheel well to check for rust, use a hose to spray the area.Check your bumpers for rust by rotating your tires.Older vehicles with metal bumpers are more prone to rust.
Step 2: There are signs of rust where body components meet.
If there is a chance for the two pieces of metal to rub, your vehicle is most likely to rust.Rust can form whenubbing wears away the protection provided by the paint.In the door frame, the hood, and the trunk are areas where components meet.While you inspect your vehicle, open the doors, hood and trunk.Rust may be developing beneath bubbled up paint, so look for signs that the paint is bubbling.
Step 3: It's a good idea to inspect the bottom of your vehicle.
The underside of your car or truck is more likely to rust because it takes the most punishment.Salt and other chemicals used to treat snow and ice on the roads may increase the chance of rust developing beneath your car if you live in an area that snows in the winter.You can check beneath your car for signs of rust by rotating your tires.While changing your oil, look beneath your vehicle for rust.Don't climb under your vehicle without using jack stands.
Step 4: Water should not be allowed in or on the vehicle.
Most things regular weather can throw at your vehicle are built into it.Paint, clear coats and plastic trim pieces are all intended to protect the metal on your vehicle from rusting, but over time these forms of protection can become compromised.If you notice the area of your car or truck that tends to hold water, make sure to drain it or dry it out.The water should be allowed to pour out of the trunk if it leaks.If the water does not drain, you can find the drain holes by consulting your service manual.
Step 5: Don't forget to wash your vehicle.
Dirt can wear through your paint over time, even if it doesn't cause rust.Bird droppings and gasoline spills can reduce your vehicle's protection against rust.The metal is susceptible to rusting because it wears through wax, clear coat and paint.Sand and dirt cannot be washed through the paint of your vehicle.The paint can be eaten by birds and gasoline.If you come into contact with the paint, consider washing your vehicle.
Step 6: It is a good idea to wash the vehicle's underside.
Salt and chemical deposits on the underside of your vehicle can compromise its ability to protect against rust, if you live in an area that snows in the winter.These materials can sit on your vehicle for a long time if you don't wash the underside.There are many automatic car washes.You can spray the underside of your car with a hose.
Step 7: Baking soda can be used to counteract road salt.
If you have to deal with road salt, you may want to add a small amount of baking soda to the soap and water you use to wash your vehicle.Baking soda will counteract the acidic effect of the salt and ice melting chemicals used on the roads.Baking soda and automotive soap should be used together.Baking soda is enough to clean most vehicles.
Step 8: Make sure the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned.
The lifespan of the paint can be reduced if you leave dried soap on your vehicle.It's a good idea to wash your car or truck with soap on it.Direct sunlight can cause soap to dry to the paint much faster, so never wash your vehicle in direct sunlight.It is possible to apply soap to the hood of your vehicle, then rinse it completely before moving onto the next part of the vehicle.The appearance of the paint on your vehicle can be dulled by dried soap.
Step 9: It's a good idea to Wax your vehicle at least twice a year.
Wax protects the paint from fading and also provides a healthy shine to your vehicle.Applying a coat of wax to your vehicle twice a year will provide the paint with an extra layer of protection and help reduce the chances of rust forming.Wax protects the paint from water.Wax protects your paint from fading in the sun.
Step 10: Use a razor blade to remove rust.
Taking action to prevent the spread of a rust spot on your vehicle is the best course of action.If you want to get the rust off, use a razor blade.Don't damage the paint surrounding the rust spot.Remove the rust and don't touch the paint surrounding it.If the paint is peeling off, it means it's no longer attached to the metal in that area and will fall off anyway.If the paint is peeling off in a large area, you may need to have the entire vehicle painted.
Step 11: To prevent the further spread of rust, apply rust arrestor.
After you have removed the rust, apply an over the counter rust arrestor.New rust will not form in the area.If you dip the brush in the rust arrestor, you can apply a thin coat to the area that was previously rusty.If you don't have an application brush, use a Q-Tip or small rag to apply the rust arrestor.Don't spray it on.Most auto parts stores sell rust arrestor.
Step 12: Allow the arrestor to dry completely.
It can take up to a few hours for the rust arrestor to dry completely.Before moving on to the next step, you should read the instructions on the bottle and allow enough time for it to cure.It may take a longer time for the rust arrestor to dry.Direct sunlight causes rust arrestor to dry faster.
Step 13: The primer should be applied over the dried arrestor.
To apply automotive primer to the area that used to be rusty, use a small brush.You can't see metal through the thin coat of primer.Make sure you don't apply the primer too much.If you have excess primer, use a paper towel or rag to clean it up.Before adding automotive paint, allow the primer to dry completely.
Step 14: You can find the correct color of automotive paint.
There are a number of ways to find the correct shade of touch up paint.A bottle of touch up paint can be given to you by many auto manufacturers.The paint code can be found near the VIN number on the placard inside the driver's door of many vehicles.A bottle of automotive touch up paint with a matching code can be purchased using that paint code.If you choose paint that is an exact match for the existing paint on your car, the spot will stand out in the sun.Most auto parts stores and some dealerships sell automotive touch up paint.
Step 15: The primer should be touched up with touch up paint.
Rub the brush onto the primer after dipping it into the touch up paint.Don't use long strokes or lines in the paint.Allow the paint to spread evenly by putting it in the middle of the spot.Don't apply too much paint because it will drips.If the area is larger than a dime, you may want to wet sand it.