Winter’s Over Today! Time to Check for Rust
Winter in the Midwest can be difficult on your car: snow, ice, salt, and de-icing chemicals can all be damaging to your car. As we transition into spring, it’s a good time to look your car over for rust.
Not only is rust unsightly, it depreciates your car’s resale value. To keep your car pristine, it’s important to learn how to find rust, keep it from starting, and address it once it has started.
How Rust Starts
Rust usually begins when rocks chip your car during daily driving. When a small chip exposes bare metal, it’s just a matter of time until rust forms. If left unchecked, rust can eat its way through. Once a rust hole starts, it can’t be stopped but it can be slowed down.
Where to Look for Rust
Grab a flashlight and start by looking at your car’s undercarriage. Inspect the frame of your car and look for rust around the perimeter of your car. Look for marked disparages in the condition of different sections. Make sure you look around the wheel wells and on the fenders behind the tires spending extra time checking these areas of your car. After the tires, walk around the car and look for dents and door dings. Check for rust in and around the wheel wells and on the fenders behind the tires.
What If I Find Rust?
If you find rust, don’t get too worried. Small rust issues can typically be addressed if you’ve caught them early. It’s best to consult a professional so they can remove the rust spots safely and not create further problems.
I See No Rust. Is There Any Way to Prevent Rust from Forming?
Wash your car often, making sure to clean the underside of your car. An easy tip is to place a lawn sprinkler under your car and turn it on. Be sure to move it occasionally so it will reach everywhere. This is a good way to remove all salt and road grime. Make sure to keep up waxing as an added safeguard.
If you notice a chip in the paint on your car, clean it promptly and if you feel comfortable apply touch-up paint or clear nail polish to the area. As long as your paint job is unmarred, metal body surfaces are safe. Something as seemingly small as a door ding or scratch can be the beginning of trouble.
Need an auto body professional? Call Great Plains Auto Body at 402.334.7100. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
—
photo credit: ClicPhoto Studio | www.clicphoto.com.br via photopin (license)
