If you enjoy travelling and love to see the world from the seat of your vehicle, there are some rust protection tips you need to know. These tips will help you care for the vehicle that allows you to experience the adventures you cherish, ensuring its long and healthy life as you build memories together!
1. Inspect Regularly
There is no way to get ahead of the damage rust and corrosion can cause if you aren’t looking for it. Regularly inspect your vehicle, no matter where your travels take you.
2. Seek Out the Problem Areas
Problems areas exist on your vehicle that are magnets for rust and corrosion. This is any scratch, dent, or paint, or any area where you see the paint blister. The wheel wells and body panels are also hot spots for rust.
3. Remove Rust When You See It
Mark from Preserve & Protect says: “Rust is not a problem that will get better over time. When you see rust, take immediate action and remedy the situation. Delay in this matter inevitably leads to more corrosion and upset travellers”.
4. Use a Wire Brush
A wire brush is one of the best ways to remove rust, giving you the right amount of abrasion while, at the same time, not being too aggressive. This doesn’t mean you can use a wire brush without care… they must be handled appropriately and used with the correct amount of force to be effective.
5. Wash Before Using a Rust Proofing Product
Before you apply a rust-proofing product, be sure to wash the area, removing any grime and dirt that may be present. Grease and other oil-based products may also affect the product you apply to protect your vehicle.
6. Apply a Rust Inhibitor
Rust inhibitors are a special layer of paint that creates a barrier between the metal and the corrosive elements, protecting it from damage. These products are amazing and can extend the useful life of many of your car components significantly.
7. Know Your Rust Proofing Options
There are many rust-proofing options that give the savvy traveller many different choices when it comes to protecting their vehicle. Some can be applied by yourself, and others need to be handled by a car shop for proper results. There are tar-based sprays, dripless oil sprays, drip sprays, waxes, electronic modules, and many more.
8. Choose the Best Rust Preventative for Your Situation
Not all solutions apply to your situation. That is why with a bit of research, you can find the best rust prevention options for you and your car. Talk to a friend who knows about cars, call your local shop (or the nearest one to you), talk to a professional, and use the internet to search for rust-proofing options that suit your situation.
9. Maintain Vigilance Throughout Your Travels
Rust never sleeps! You need to remain vigilant throughout your travels but with these tips and healthy respect for your car and the damage that rust can cause, you can develop a system that will protect your car from corrosion and give you the peace of mind to sleep soundly at night, no matter where you happen to be.