Rust

Fight corrosion

Corrosion and rust are serious problems for car owners, especially those who live near the ocean, where the sea salt gets into the air and onto your car, or in colder climates where salt is put on the roads to melt ice.

What is Corrosion?

Scientifically speaking, the term corrosion refers to a metal substance losing its electrons when it reacts with water or oxygen, which it to weaken. The most common form of corrosion is called rust.

Why is it a Problem?

The steel that cars are made of is a very strong metal, and it can endure for years and years - but only when it's protected. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to keep a car safe from corrosion. Every little chip and nick that your car gets exposes it to the elements. Even tiny scratches from pebbles can trigger the corrosion process, and can eventually result in a big, rusty gash.

How Can Corrosion be Prevented?

The best way to prevent corrosion on your vehicle is to be proactive. As is the case with most things in life, preventative measures are much more effective (not to mention cheaper and easier) than corrective maintenance. The fact is, most drivers overlook rust and corrosion on their car until it's too late. Don't wait until your car is disfigured by rust - attack corrosion before it becomes a serious problem.

The best preventative measure would be to keep your car in the garage in the winter and never drive on salt-covered roads; but obviously, that's not realistic for most drivers. Instead, try these easy tips:

1. Wash your car frequently. After you drive in salty conditions, get your car washed. If you go to an automatic carwash, make sure it does an underbody wash.
2. Dry off your car. Leaving a wet car in a warm, closed garage is just begging for corrosion. Leave the garage door open so that the moisture can escape.
3. Use an undercoating. Corrosion can do the most damage in places that aren't visible, like under your car. Buy an undercoating like Waxoyl to apply yourself or have it done professionally. Some automatic carwashes claim to apply an undercoating, but they usually do a poor job. It's best to have a pro do it for you.
4. Wax at least twice a year. Most car owners never wax their cars, but doing so even just a few times a year can really help protect your vehicle from scratches.
5. Repair any chips or scratches to the paint as soon as possible. Buy some touch-up paint now so that you'll have it on hand to cover up any nicks and scratches that form.
6. Spend the extra money on a stainless steel exhaust system. Stainless steel is very resistant to corrosion.
7. Stay away from electronic rust prevention devices. Most consumers agree that these devices just aren't worth the time or money.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.