Feature Writer Jimmy - Protecting Your Cars from Rust

The devastating effect of rust on a vehicle has been long considered the worst malignancy a vehicle can be overcome with. People who live in cities that have an abundance of used cars, Ottawa is an example, should exercise a higher level of attentiveness to rust build up on their older vehicles. Older cars have less advanced body protection than most new cars and older paint jobs are more susceptible to rust. New vehicles utilize more modern materials in their construction and are less prone to rust problems.

Below the surface of a vehicle, though, rust can be even more damaging. If rust attacks the frame of a car the structural integrity can be compromised and result in catastrophic failure of the vehicle in accident situations. If this happens, a minor accident can become a much more major event. Underneath the paint rust can cause damage to places that are not visible to the eye.

Depending on the environment you live in, semi-annual inspections of your vehicle can help you detect rust before it gets a firm hold on your car or truck. Colder climates that have a lot of freezing and thereby require salted and sanded roads are an example of an environment where it would be necessary to check for rust at least twice per year.

In general, rust takes time to cause real problems on a car. As a car owner, if you are vigilant in the upkeep of your vehicle, you can stay ahead of rust. Rust on the surface of a vehicle is also easily fixed. A bit of sanding to get back to the metal, perhaps some body compound and re-painting will generally solve the problem.

If, on the other hand, you find yourself the owner of a vehicle that has been let go and the rust has begun its steady progression from one side of the metal to the other, you will need to do some serious work in order to fix the problem. Rust must be completely eliminated so grinding, sanding, welding and body molding compounds may become a necessity. Sometimes replacement of an entire piece of the vehicle, such as a quarter-panel, becomes necessary. In the case of a body panel bonding compounds or fiberglass may be used. If it’s a structural component that undergoes stress while the car is being driven, replacing the metal is the right way to go. If there is ever a question of safety, it may be much simpler to replace the part. Despite the amount of work that may be required, keeping the rust at bay on your truck or car is integral to the health of your vehicle.