WITH ALL THE HIGH-TECH

MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO

AUTO MANUFACTURERS,

WHY IS RUST STILL A

PROBLEM?

Blame modern chemicals used to treat

roadways. Magnesium chloride (marketed as

MagChlor or Mag Chlor 90) is great at

removing ice and snow, and even keeping dust

under control on dirt and gravel back roads.

But this concoction is brutal on vehicles.

Magnesium chloride coats vehicles with a film

of crud, which is difficult to remove when

washing the car. It soaks in and holds moisture

from the air when humidity levels drop,

becoming an actively corrosive material.

In areas where magnesium chloride is used on

gravel or dirt roads, rust is a year-round issue,

not just a winter one.

HOW CORROSION

FORMS ON VEHICLES

Corrosion is caused when an electrolyte

comes into contact with a metal. In the case

of vehicles, water is frequently in contact

with all exterior surfaces. The water bonds

with the steel of the auto body, causing rust.

PREVENTING

CORROSION AND RUST

STEP 1: COAT THE VEHICLE WITH WAX

Areas to treat with wax:

Doors

Hood

Around the trunk

Frame

Fenders

Quarter panels

Rocker panels

So long as the paint

and body are

undamaged, water

simply rolls off most

of the vehicle body.

However, it gathers in

nooks and crannies.

These susceptible

areas can be treated

with wax, such as a

quality spray wax, to

prevent corrosion.

PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST

STEP 2: TREAT THE UNDERBODY

• Is directly in the path of water spray from the roadway

• Is hardest to reach to get clean

An asphalt-based product is ideal for treating the

underbody because it can withstand the impact of

flying road debris, which often hits the underbody at

speeds greater than 80 MPH.

Treat the floorboards and brake lines with an asphalt-

based anti-corrosion product for best results.

The underbody of the vehicle is most susceptible because it:

• Is often the target of

debris, which can

damage protective

coatings you use to

prevent rust

Most manufacturers treat cars’ paint with anti-corrosive materials, and these

usually work well until the paint becomes damaged, exposing the metal

underneath.

Take care of chips and scratches as quickly as possible using touch-up

paint available at most automotive parts stores and at local car dealerships.

Get any necessary body work done as soon as possible following an

accident. After body work is complete, re-treat the vehicle with the corrosive

barriers used in steps 1 and 2.

PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST

STEP 3: KEEP THE PAINT WELL-MAINTAINED

Your best defense against rust and corrosion is to keep the vehicle clean

and well-maintained.

Wash the car thoroughly once per week, even during the wintertime. Make

sure you remove all chemical residue from roadways at each wash.

Pay special attention to wheel wells and the underbody, which have the

most contact with roadways treated with ice-preventative chemicals.

PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST

STEP 4: KEEP THE VEHICLE CLEAN

When washing, pay special attention to areas that

collect and hold water, particularly around the

doors, the bumper and headlights, wheel wells,

around the rear of the body, and the underbody.

THE RIGHT WAY TO WASH YOUR

CAR FOR RUST PREVENTION

People who are serious about keeping their cars

in good condition hand-wash their vehicles and

try to avoid automated car washes when possible.

Many people use dishwashing detergent or laundry

detergent, but these products can damage the paint,

opening the way for rust! Use a product specifically

formulated for washing cars, or use baby shampoo,

which is mild and non-abrasive.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM RUST

A Hybrid Undercoating dries quickly and protects the vehicle against

abrasion and corrosion caused by Mag Chlor and road salt. A top coat can

be applied over this coating for even more protection, plus a brilliant,

beautiful shine.

A Rubberized Undercoat can be painted over as well. It dries quickly, and in

addition to its anti-corrosive properties, it reduces road noise and vibrations

for a more comfortable, enjoyable drive.

A Rust Inhibitor Aerosol offers all-over protection for the vehicle’s body.

Valugard offers a wide

selection of products to

protect vehicles from rust

and corrosion. These

products are useful on:

• Passenger cars and vans

• Pickup trucks

• Semi tractors and trailers

• Refuse and recycling trucks

• Utility vehicles

• Fire trucks

• School buses

• Charter buses

• Police cars

• Emergency vehicles

For more information, please visit www.valugard.net

Sources:

http://www.valugard.net/

http://www.valugard.net/index.php/rust-information-product-data-sheets-msds/

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/car-rust-protection-your-guide-to-

preventing-car-rust

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/09/05/5-bad-habits-of-

new-car-owners-that-ruin-a-vehicles-value

Summary:

Even though auto manufacturers have developed new materials to help prevent

rust, modern road treatment chemicals still cause corrosion. But with proper

treatment and regular maintenance, you can still keep your car rust free.