5 Easy Ways You Can Protect Your Vehicle From Rusting

Caring for your car can be a real challenge, especially when you’re up against nature’s elements. Areas like the Rust Belt—spanning parts of the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S.—are notorious for speeding up the rusting process of cars due to high moisture and road salt usage. Rust can severely damage vital components like body panels and even the suspension and drivetrain.

While ideal solutions like garage storage during winter or moving to a rust-free zone might not be practical for everyone, preventing rust doesn’t have to be a crazy struggle. Understanding that rust is simply the result of a chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and moisture, there are several easy steps you can take to protect your vehicle.

Here are 5 practical tips to help keep your car rust-free.

Invest in Rubber Floor Mats

Believe it or not, rubber floor mats can be a real game-changer in fighting rust. Sure, your car’s floor pan might have some factory protection, but why take the risk? Especially in snowy or rainy climates, the water and road salt from your shoes can seep through the carpet, reaching the metal chassis below. Before you know it, you’re dealing with rust where you least expect it.

Opting for rubber floor mats can block that moisture dead in its tracks. You can find affordable universal mats that do the job, or you might consider splurging on custom-fit mats from brands like WeatherTech, designed specifically for your car’s dimensions. Yes, they can be pricey, but investing now could save you a hefty sum on rust repairs down the road.

Keep Your Car Waxed

Waxing a few times a year is a critical step in guarding against rust. Your car’s clear coat is its shield against moisture and contaminants, but it can wear down over time, especially with exposure to UV rays. Regular waxing helps maintain this protective layer, preventing moisture from reaching the metal underneath. Always check the wax manufacturer’s recommendations to know how often to reapply.

Address Body Damage Promptly

Whether it’s from a stray rock or a minor fender bender, any damage that exposes your car’s metal can lead to rapid rusting. There’s no gradual breakdown here—it’s an immediate breach in your car’s defenses. Instead of letting these chips and dings invite rust, getting them fixed as soon as possible can save you big bucks in the long run. For minor marks, a touch-up paint pen might do the trick, sealing off the exposure before rust can make a home.

Apply a Protective Undercoating

When it comes to keeping your car rust-free, applying an undercoating is your first line of defense. This stuff is sprayed onto the underbelly of your car and its suspension parts, creating a barrier that moisture just can’t get past. And without moisture, rust doesn’t stand a chance. Even if your ride is already showing signs of rust, it’s not too late—opt for an oil-based undercoating, which seeps into the metal, pushes out moisture, and puts a stop to further rusting.

It’s a job you can tackle yourself if you’re feeling handy, but consider a professional job for better coverage, especially with rubberized options. Too much, and you might give your future self—or your mechanic—a real headache when it’s time for repairs. But get it right, and you’ve just scored major points against rust on your car’s vital underparts like the suspension and exhaust systems.

Wash the Underbody Regularly

Let’s keep focusing on the underbelly, the MVP when it comes to rust prevention. Overlook this, and you could be facing some serious safety risks. Those suspension parts and exhaust systems are crucial, and letting them rust could lead to bigger problems down the road, like a failed emissions test or even worse, compromised vehicle safety.

The fix? Make pressure washing the underbody part of your regular car care routine. Whether you own a pressure washer or hit up a local car wash, it’s crucial to blast away any salt, dirt, and grime that can lead to corrosion. Pay extra attention to the exhaust and suspension areas to keep them as clean as possible.