Protecting your Land Rover from Rust and Corrosion
Rust comes from a chemical process that occurs when bare metal is exposed to oxygen and water, resulting in corrosion, and is a common problem with all things made of iron and its alloys. Since a car’s body, chassis, and other components are typically made of such materials, corrosion and rust are among the biggest enemies it will face.
Rust will not only attack the visual appearance of your vehicle by corroding the body, but also degrade the undercarriage, suspension, and floor, making it no longer safe to operate. Although modern vehicles use galvanized steel to construct the body and the chassis, rust is still a notable potential issue that may affect your car.
How to Protect Your Car from Rust
Washing and Waxing
Ensure your car is clean if you want to protect your Land Rover from rust. If your vehicle is regularly used, the undercarriage will be exposed to mud and dirt, which are especially dangerous because they can cause corrosion if not removed in a timely manner. Also, road debris can damage the bodywork, and rock chips can become rust spots if not treated.
It is a smart move to invest in a quality wax job that will last at least a year and help preserve your paint and protect it from the elements. Make a habit of washing your car at least once a week and waxing it before the winter months to give it an additional layer of protection against rust.
Protect Your Car from Road Salt
Salt is probably the biggest enemy of your vehicle in terms of corrosion since it practically eats away at the protective layers and metal underneath the car. In continental climates, salt is commonly used in the wintertime to dissolve ice on the roads. However, along with the ice, salt will also dissolve your bodywork if left in the car for a long.
It is essential to wash your car regularly during the winter, and to concentrate on the undercarriage since it is the only way to remove the salt. Even driving on dry roads that previously held salt requires thorough washing. The best advice is to spray the underside of your car with as much water and soap as you can, and be sure to wash all the hard-to-reach places in which salt can cause corrosion.
Apply Anti-Rust Chemicals
Regardless of the amount of care you give your vehicle, you cannot protect your Land Rover 100% from the dangers of corrosion. When your vehicle is driven daily, early signs of rust damage may appear on the car's undercarriage, suspension components, and floor. In most cases, this is nothing more than surface corrosion, which is not dangerous, and will not structurally jeopardize the metal.
However, if left unattended, this can soon advance into becoming a more severe issue. The solution is, therefore, to use anti-rust chemicals to stop any rust from spreading or covering the bare metal, protecting it from corrosion.
Repair Rust Damage Before It Spreads
You will most likely begin to see some rust spots on your vehicle after a few years of regular winter use. The combination of a continental climate, moisture, and salty roads is simply too much for any car, regardless of its corrosion warranty. However, there are still plenty of ways to repair these rust spots before they spread.
If you notice rock chips that aren't yet corroded, invest in a set of touch-up paints and cover thembefore the rust claims them. In addition, if you see surface corrosion on your suspension components or floors, consider oil-based solutions to protect those parts and prevent them from oxidation.
Protect Your Car from the Elements
Keeping your car in a safe and dry place away from the elements is crucial if you want to fight rust. If this is not a possibility, a car cover will also do. Avoid parking your vehicle on grass, mud, or gravel, and always look for a dry surface, since moisture from the ground will affect your undercarriage.
What Are the Most Common Locations of Rust in a Car?
When it comes to your car, the most common locations for rust to develop are the areas that are most exposed to the elements, salt, mud, and road debris. This means that the bottom half of the bodywork, floors, and undercarriage are all potentially problematic zones affected by corrosion.
On most models, you will notice that rocker panels, wheel arches, and the bottom of the doors or trunk can display rust or paint bubbling. This paint bubbling comes from rust underneath the paint, which means the metal is rotted. Every area of the car body with lots of creases can be a potential rust spot, since moisture and salt can reach those places and slowly eat away at the metal.
Rust Prevention Is Cheaper Than Restoration
The difference between the cost of prevention and the cost of repair and restoration is staggering. Corrosion can attack structural parts of the body of your car, its chassis, or its strut towers, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Even small repairs surrounding wheel arches, the bottom of your doors, or the trunk can be expensive and require labour, parts, and time for the paint and filler to cure.
The best way to save money on costly repairs and experience your Land Rover in near-perfect working condition is to invest time and effort into prevention. At Westminster Motors, we’re here to help you take care of your vehicle, however you need.