Rust: Making Your Car Go From Trusted To Busted
Rust on your auto body may not seem like a big deal, but if you allow it to take over, it can turn your great looking car into a hunk of junk. Rust can slowly eat away at your metal auto body, leaving behind patches or even holes. This affects the structural integrity of the auto body and can be particularly harmful if you are in an accident. Unfortunately, rust is a major problem for automobiles. However, it isn't something that can't be tended to and corrected. Here is some information you need to know about rust and your car.
Signs Rust is Present
The tell-tale sign that rust is present is the appearance of a red, brown or orange powder somewhere on your car. Rust is more likely to appear in places where your paint has been compromised. As such, you may see rust around scratches, chips or where paint is bubbling or peeling. Rust is also likely to occur on the underside of your auto body, where paint is not present. Rust is much easier to care for and remove when it is caught early. Because of this, it is recommended that you inspect your vehicle when you wash it, or approximately monthly, to look for signs of damaged paint and rust.
How to Remove Rust From a Car Yourself
If there is a small amount of rust present on your vehicle, you can remove the rust yourself. You want to remove rust as soon as it is spotted, as it can spread quickly and cause more damage. When it comes to removing rust from your car, you have two options. You can either use a rust removing solvent or use sand paper. A rust removing solvent is a liquid that can be purchased at any auto parts store. A small amount is applied to the affected area and the solvent eats away at the rust. The solvent is then wiped clean. This is a great option when only a small amount of rust is present and it hasn't reached deep into the body of the car. The other option is to use a small piece of sand paper. You can lightly sand the rust away from the affected area using this method. This is a great option if the rust has affected the smoothness of the body, as you can smooth out an area that is jagged or rough.
After you have removed rust from the affected area, it is highly recommended that you touch-up the paint and apply a sealer to prevent rust from re-affecting the area. Touch-up paint is dabbed on the affected area and blended in. Once the touch-up paint is dry, you can apply the metal paint sealer.
When to Take the Vehicle to a Professional
If the rust damage is extensive, you should take your vehicle to an auto body repair shop. If you can see small holes where the rust has eaten away at the body, or the affected area is larger than the size of your fist, you should have your car looked at by a professional. Both of these issues can affect the integrity of the metal panel on your car. This means that in a car accident, the panel may not be as sturdy as it needs to be. A professional may be able to remove the rust and strengthen the affected area or the panel may need to be completely replaced.
Rust on automobiles is a problem that typically occurs with older cars and those that live in either humid conditions or drive in snowy or icy conditions with salted roads. However, it can occur with newer vehicles as well. Knowing what to look for and how to clean rust will help you remove any that forms on your vehicle in a timely fashion. This can help keep your car looking great and ensure the structural integrity of the panels is not compromised. To get in touch with an auto body mechanic who can repair your car, pop over here.