Should I Get Those Small Rust Spots on My Car Fixed?

You’ve had your car for several years now and just paid it off. Because it still runs great you were planning to hand it down to your high schooler when they head off to college. But after another snow-filled winter, you noticed some small rust spots when you took it through the car wash. What should you do? Much like the tip of an iceberg, any noticeable rust on your vehicle could be an indication of more serious problems lurking beneath the surface. Here’s why getting those rusted areas promptly repaired is so important. 

Why Do Cars Rust?

It’s common for older vehicles to get rust spots, especially when they’re exposed to saltwater or road deicers in cold-weather climates. Over time, chemicals, dirt and road salt can all cause the top layers of your paint to weaken. Unrepaired scratches and dents from minor fender benders and stray grocery carts can also promote rust formation, even on newer cars. 

When bare metal gets exposed to water, iron and air it starts corroding due to a chemical reaction known as oxidation. Once saltwater starts accelerating the oxidation process, you might notice a small rust spot around your wheel well or near the bottom of a door. Once that rust spreads, it not only looks bad and lowers your resale value, it can start corroding structural components and body panels.

Small Rust Repairs 

Small rust repairs work well when the damage is superficial, and the corrosion hasn’t had a chance to penetrate through to the metal. A body shop might recommend a small rust patch job when it’s caused by a deep paint scratch or minor dent. 

This is how collision repair technicians perform a small-scale rust repair:

• The corroded area and the surrounding paint are first sanded down.

• The exposed metal is then coated with a primer.

• Once the primer dries, the area is repainted to match the rest of your vehicle.

• The entire car is then waxed and polished with a high-quality wax.

Larger Rust Repair Jobs 

Once the rust has penetrated a larger and/or deeper area, more extensive bodywork is needed. Large-scale rust repairs become necessary when the metal has started to corrode completely through, which will eventually weaken the integrity of supporting structures enough that they may not be able to withstand a subsequent collision.   

Large-scale rust repairs typically include these steps:

• First, the corroded metal section is cut out and then replaced. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to switch out the entire body panel.

• A bonding material is used to fill in around the repaired area.

• The area is then sanded, primed and painted to match the rest of the car. 

• The exterior is waxed and polished using a high-quality wax.

How Can I Protect My Car from Rust?

In addition to the body, the undercarriage of your vehicle is also vulnerable to rust, including the exhaust system, floorboards and chassis. Here are some rust-prevention tips:

• Take your car frequently to a touchless car wash that also washes the undercarriage, and especially whenever your car’s been exposed to road salt.

• Hand wax your vehicle every 6 months with a high-quality Carnauba Wax.

• Have your car professionally detailed every year because the detailing products they use will permeate all the little nooks and crannies and better protect your paint’s finish. Many auto body shops also offer detailing as a value-added service.  

• Get any deep scratches or noticeable dents repaired promptly. 

Find Local Rust-Removal Experts Here in Seconds 

If you’ve got some rust spots on your car’s exterior, don’t take chances. Instead, restore your peace of mind by promptly taking it to one of the auto body and glass repair shops listed in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All shops featured on Carwise employ I-CAR and ASE-certified professionals, which means they have the latest equipment, services and facilities to get your ride looking great again promptly and reliably. And, you can also use Carwise to locate collision repair shops that provide professional detailing services.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.