Rust formation affects your vehicle's appearance, resale value, and functionality. To know how to keep your car rust-free, follow the tips and recommendations listed in this post by Cappy's Premium Lubricants in Yemassee.

Rust formation is the number one arch nemesis of rigs made of steel. As a car owner, the last thing you want is to find reddish cruds appearing on your car's door edges or undercarriage. Fortunately, you can use a few techniques to protect your vehicle against steel oxidation. Keep reading the tips and tricks below to learn how to keep your car rust-free!

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But First, What is Rust?

We all know what rust looks like on cars because we've all seen old abandoned vehicles flaking away by it. As mentioned, it all starts with tiny reddish spots on wheel wells and door edges. But soon, those small cruds grow and eat up all the steel that makes the car. As a result, a vehicle with rust formation flakes away. But what is rust exactly? Rust is a chemical reaction metal undergoes when exposed to oxygen and moisture. But, as opposed to copper or aluminum, oxide doesn't form a protective layer on steel's surface. Instead, rust eats up steel and causes it to flake away.

Why Do Cars Rust?

Automakers have been fighting rust since cars exist. That is why nowadays, car's steel body shells are treated with rust-resistant coatings. The paint job also keeps the metal from exposure to moisture and oxygen. As if that were not enough, cars' undercarriages are also sealed to prevent the accumulation of humidity underneath. Despite all that, some conditions favor rust formation in cars. For instance, your vehicle might be more susceptible to rust if winters are snowy in your area. Why? Because the salt used to de-ice the road is a catalyst for rust. Likewise, living in humid climates can speed up rust when a car's metal is exposed. In both cases, oxidation occurs when the car's protective layers get scratched or cracked, allowing moisture and oxygen to reach the steel.

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How to Keep Your Car Rust-Free

Watch for Signs of Rust

The first thing you can do to keep your car rust-free is to inspect it regularly. To that end, start by opening the doors to get under them and see if there are reddish spots on the bottom edges. Also, look at the wheel wells and places with welds that are more prone to paint cracking. Lastly, look for bubbles on the paint, as these mean there's metal flaking off underneath. As for the undercarriage, ask your mechanic to inspect it whenever you take your car in for service.

Wash Your Car

Washing your car is critical to keep it rust-free. After all, the rig's paint job is exposed to abrasive elements that can chip, crack, or scratch it. Things like tree sap, road grime, and bird poop can take a toll on your car's paint. Being the main protective layer against rust, you must keep the paint as clean as possible. A good rule of thumb is to wash your car once per month using a few clean microfiber towels and a pressure washer. Also, give your vehicle a deeper clean before and after winter. This way, you'll be able to rinse all the road salt from the undercarriage.

Wax Your Car

Wax acts as a protective barrier for the paint. So remember to give it a coat of wax at least once every season. Besides giving your car a glossy and vibrant look, wax protects the paint from UV rays and abrasive elements that speed up rust formation. That said, don't skip on this preventive measure and keep your car waxed all year round.

Protect your car's chassis against friction and rust by spraying it with MP Metal Protector. This product will create a durable film to keep the metal parts from getting exposed to salts, humidity, and abrasive impurities. To get this and other top-quality maintenance products for your rig, stop by AMSOIL's online store or call Cappy's Premium Lubricants in Yemassee at (843) 368-2844.