Instead of contacting collision experts, most motorists ignore small scratch marks on their car when their car is involved in minor accidents. But if these remain unchecked, they can lead to rust and corrosion. Whenever you scratch the surface of your vehicle, its paint job is compromised and the metal parts are exposed to moisture, salt, and other elements that can cause rust. To prevent the body of your car from being damaged by rust, you should take the following steps:

1. Wash Your Car Regularly and Keep It Dry

Washing your vehicle regularly helps remove any dirt or grime which may have collected on its surface. This will also help remove any salt deposits that can accumulate from roads in winter. After cleaning, you want to make sure that your car is completely dry before you drive it away. The moisture can cause rusting if left on the body of your car.

2. Use Protective Waxes and Sealants

Applying a protective wax or sealant is not just recommended for maintaining the shininess of your vehicle, but also to protect it from rust. This is particularly true if your car is parked in an area where there is salt or moisture in the air. The wax will help to form a barrier that prevents water from getting onto the metal surfaces of your car and causing rust.

3. Keep Your Car Covered

If you do not have a garage, or if your car is parked outside for long periods of time, consider covering it with a tarp or other protective cover. This will help protect your car from the elements and keep its body safe from rust. Enabling proper ventilation is also essential in order to avoid condensation buildup that could cause rust. So if your garage has moisture or your tarp has no proper ventilation, you should consider getting a weatherproof car cover instead.

4. Regularly Inspect Your Car

The best way to catch rust before it becomes a big problem is to inspect your car regularly. Pay attention to any changes in paint color, spots on the metal surface, and check for bubbling or chipping paint. If you find any of these signs of corrosion, you should address them as soon as possible before they become more serious issues.

5. Ensure the Undercarriage is Protected

The undercarriage is easy to overlook, but it needs to be taken care of as well. Sometimes rust can form on the underside of your car, which is why it’s important to check its undercarriage and make sure it is well-protected. Look for any areas that are particularly exposed to the elements and consider ways of coating or sealing them off to prevent rust from forming. You may also want to consider waxing the undercarriage of your car to help form a protective barrier.

6. Use Rust Inhibitors and Sealants

You can use rust inhibitors and sealants to help keep your car safe from rust. These products are designed to create a protective coating on your car’s body that will repel moisture and stop rust from forming. Make sure to apply the inhibitors and sealants as instructed to get the best results. The more steps you take to protect your car, the less likely it is for rust to form and cause irreparable damage.

7. Use Rust Converters

As the name suggests, with rust converters, you can turn existing rust spots into inert compounds. This is a great way to preserve your car’s body and protect it from further damage. However, if you notice that the rust spots are particularly large or spread out over wide areas of your car, then it’s best to take it to an auto shop for professional repair.

8. Address Water Leaks Immediately

Drips of water can cause rust to form on the body of your car. If you notice any signs of leaking, make sure to address this issue immediately. It’s best to take your car to a professional for repair, as they will be able to identify and fix the source of the leak quickly and effectively. You should also make sure to check your car for any other signs of damage or wear and tear that could contribute to rust formation.

9. Use Rust Prevention Sprays

If you want things done quick and easy, then rust prevention sprays are a great option. These products are designed to form a barrier on your car’s body that will prevent moisture from seeping in and causing rust to form. However, these sprays may not be as effective when it comes to preventing existing rust spots from growing larger or spreading. If you notice any such signs, take your car to a professional for repair.

10. Bring Your Car For Repair ASAP

If you notice any rust spots on your car’s body, it’s important to take it for repair as soon as possible. Rust can spread quickly and cause extensive damage that can be difficult or even impossible to fix. Make sure to take the necessary steps to protect your car from this corrosive element before it causes any major damage.

Gosch Collision Can Help You Maintain the Integrity of Your Car’s Body

Rust can cause serious damage to your car, which is why it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent it from occurring. If you're involved in an accident and notice scratches, dents, or other signs of damage, make sure to take your car to an experienced auto body repair professional like Gosch Collision right away. We will assess the situation and provide the necessary repairs to ensure that your car is as good as new! Contact us today for more information.