Rust is the mortal enemy of vehicles everywhere. It can quickly turn your prized possession into scrap metal, so follow our best tips for keeping your car rust-free!
Wash Frequently
The best defense against rust infecting your vehicle is to keep it as clean as possible. Dirt and dust don’t cause rust, but they can weaken and damage the protective coating layer on your car’s exterior, making it more susceptible to rust.
Pro Tip: In the winter, after driving on salt-filled roads, rinse off your vehicle’s exterior with water to keep it salt-free.
You don’t have to wash your car every day, but it’s a good idea to give it a cleaning every couple of weeks or at least once a month. It’ll keep rust from forming on your vehicle and preserve your car’s exterior.
Get a New Paint Job
Your vehicle’s paint job isn’t just for appearances—it also provides a protective coating layer to keep dirt and rust out. If your car’s paint is beginning to chip and crack, those could be opportunities for rust to creep in and take hold.
Preventing rust is one of the best reasons to get a professional paint job for your car, alongside a new color and adding to its resale value. Your vehicle will look pristine and be protected from the dangers of rust.
Wax Regularly
Along with frequent cleanings, you should also add a layer of protective wax to your vehicle’s exterior regularly. Carnauba wax is the preferred wax for many car owners, but pretty much any type will do the job of protecting the surface.
You should wax your vehicle about twice a year, so before summer and before winter are typically the best times of the year.
Invest in a Ceramic Coating
Perhaps the most effective tip for keeping your car rust-free is to invest in a ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings offer more protection for your vehicle than wax and will also last longer.
It may be more expensive than carnauba wax, but ceramic coatings also last years instead of months and offer better protection.
Keep the Interior Dry
Keeping rust off your vehicle isn’t just about protecting the exterior but the interior. You might think the occasional moisture or spill inside your car isn’t a big deal, but that moisture can seep through the carpet to the vehicle’s metal body.
Moisture means rust, even on the interior, so keep an eye out for spills and liquids inside your vehicle.
