Applying an undercoating to your car is one of the best preventative measures for rust aversion. An undercoating is a substance sprayed on the bottom of your car and suspension components, preventing moisture from getting into the metal. Without the moisture, oxidation is not possible. In an ideal world, all buyers of new cars would apply rust-protective undercoating to their vehicles before corrosion has a chance to start. However, if your car is already rusting and you’re looking to prevent it from getting worse, it’s not too late.
There are a couple of different types of undercoatings. One category is rubberized or wax-based products that act as a preventative shield for your car’s important components. These are ideally used when the car is new. However, in the case of a car that’s already starting to experience some surface rust, oil-based undercoating is the best answer. Oil-based undercoating penetrates deep into the metal and evacuates the moisture, stopping the rusting process in its tracks and preventing it from starting again.
Savvy DIY-ers can apply undercoatings. However, professional installation options are a good idea. This is especially true for a rubberized coating, as accidentally going too heavy on underside hardware could make working on your car a nightmare for your future self or mechanic. Overall, though, good undercoating is a great way to prevent rust on your suspension, exhaust, and chassis components.
