As they age and are exposed to the elements, most vehicles will show some signs of rust.

By Carlene Smart

Freelance Writer

Whether or not rust is a major problem depends on the extent of the rust and where it is on the vehicle. Rust often appears first around the edge of panels, boots and bonnets or on the bottom of door sills.

Structural corrosion (rust on the main structural supports) can be dangerous. A vehicle with rust in suspension mounting points, door hinges, centered on door locks anchorages, seatbelt anchorages top and bottom, are likely to fail inspection and should be repaired.

According to Marcel Langlois, owner of Langlois Auto Body in Lewiston, fighting rust, especially in older vehicles is an on going battle.

“Drivers should look carefully for signs of rust on any of these weight-bearing parts as well as on the steering mechanism mountings. If you spot rust in any of these areas, take action immediately. Having rust removed early can prevent it from spreading and can save you money,” said Langlois

Langlois also said to check for rust regularly under the carpets and boot liner, in the spare tire area and inside the door of the petrol cap; he advised cleaning the port holes (with black plugs) under the doors.

Living in Maine, cars are exposed to salt air and to winters driving in salt-treated sand. The blasting effect the tires have can affect the structure and compromise the metal, weakening it, often causing pitting. If left untreated, the metal will oxidize and cause rust.

According to Nel Peters, owner of Nel’s Auto Body of Greene, surface rust can be treated to slow down the process. When it (rust) begins to make holes, it’s already in the frame and needs to be treated aggressively. Body rust can also be a problem. If your vehicle’s paint begins to bubble, rust may be eating away at the inside. Have it checked out.

“Surface rust can be sand blasted and treated, but framework rust is more difficult to treat,” Peters explained. “Places that have welded seams cannot be treated for rust once it occurs;, it’s in the metal and you’d have to pull the seams apart to treat it. The best advice I can give vehicle owners is to make sure their vehicle has been undercoated to prevent rust. It’s worth an extra investment to help prevent a problem later on.”

Of course, there comes a point when it is unsafe and financially unwise to continue repairing a rusting vehicle. At this stage you would be best to replace your vehicle with a corrosion-free model.

“Serious rust damage, including a hole right through the metal, can begin with a minor scratch in a parking lot from a shopping cart,” said Peters. “Steel is strong and lasts a lifetime when it’s protected, but when that protection is invaded, the metal is exposed to the elements. That’s when rust begins its invasion.”

When the rust has made holes, it’s often necessary to replace the section, for the rust will spread. Often, this can be accomplished with sanding and bondo. In other cases, such as floor boards and rocker panels, it often means sheet metal replacement by cutting out the compromised area and re-welding it.

Prevention and care

Auto Pro Reconditioning of Lewiston stresses the importance of routine maintenances and cleaning.

“We tell our customers to come in once in the fall and once in the spring to get their car reconditioned.” said Walter Dumont, owner.

When a vehicle is reconditioneds, “the complete vehicle gets a makeover, from the engine, motor mounts, cracks and door jams; every inch of the vehicle is cleaned with a gentle cleanser. Salt, tar and other harmful attachments are cleaned off,” he explained.

In addition to cleaning, vehicles should be hand-waxed in the fall and buff waxed in the spring with 100 percent Carnuba wax. The hard wax helps give the vehicle a protective covering that lasts longer than home waxing or spray waxing, which can last a matter of days. The buff waxing and reconditioning (includes cleaning inside of vehicle also) can last six months.

The experts also suggested vehicle owners:

4 Cover paint chips as quickly as possible. For a quick fix until you can get some touchup supplies, dab a little clear nail polish on the scratch. Touchup paint can be found for virtually every vehicle ever built, including antiques. Use the paint code number shown on the identification plate located on a door jamb, in the glove box, under the hood, in the trunk under the carpet next to the spare or wherever else the car maker has hidden it. The owner’s manual will tell you how to find it.

4 Keep the vehicle clean as often as possible, including underneath on the frame and welded parts. Take care of rust spots and holes as soon as possible to slow spreading. Bondo is often a quick fix but is usually temporary; however, it is better than doing nothing. A reputable inspection station or body shop can tell you when it’s time to cut your losses and find another vehicle. If your new vehicle hasn’t been undercoated, it’s worth the investment to do it.