Did you know American motorists spend $3 billion annually to correct rust damage caused by de-icers?
According to research from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the chemicals used on U.S. streets and highways to combat ice, snow, and slush can ruin your car.
AAA says that over five years, U.S. motorists paid around $15.4 billion for rust repairs necessitated by de-icing programs. It advises drivers to safeguard exhaust systems, brake lines, and fuel tanks from rust-related damage. One way to accomplish this is by regularly washing your vehicle’s undercarriage.
Rustproofing Can Make a Difference
While keeping your vehicle clean during the winter will help fight the formation and spread of rust, AAA also recommends other measures.
It says it’s a good idea to avoid driving before, during, or after a major snowstorm. Waiting until things have calmed down and the de-icers are no longer at their peak concentrations can help limit their impact on vehicles.
Other tips include repairing body damage and touching up chips and scratches so there’s no exposed metal that rust can worsen.
While Professional Carwashing & Detailing says you can get rustproofing services at a dealer from $550 to $1,000, pricing is determined by factors like the type and size of your vehicle and the kind of rustproofing you get.
Can Once-a-Year Rustproofing Help?
One source recommends rustproofing your vehicle at least once every couple of years. However, the climate in your area and your driving habits might make annual rustproofing safer.
Is it worth spending a few hundred dollars on rustproofing to keep your vehicle on the road longer? For many motorists, the answer is yes!
When You Don’t Need Rustproofing
While rustproofing is a worthwhile service that can extend your car’s longevity, there are legitimate reasons to skip it. For instance, skip the rustproofing if you tend to hold onto cars for a few years and then trade them in for something else. You may also wish to skip it if you’re leasing a car or if deicers aren’t commonly used where you live.
Many Drivers Across the U.S. Need Rustproofing
While some drivers can skip rustproofing, others should not. Rustproofing is not just about preserving your car so it can be traded down the road—it’s about safeguarding a five or six-figure investment.
Consider these 12 reasons you should make a point of rustproofing your car once annually.
Prevents Corrosion
A big reason to rustproof your vehicle is to prevent the formation of rust on the undercarriage. If there is rust already, rustproofing may slow down its progression. Make rustproofing an annual affair unless you don’t plan to hold onto the vehicle too long and aren’t concerned about rust.
Extends Vehicle Lifespan
Americans hold onto their vehicles for an average of 12.6 years. Rustproofing can extend the longevity of your car, and that’s a good thing if you want to keep it until the wheels fall off. Don’t underestimate the damage that rust can cause your vehicle. Rustproofing is relatively inexpensive compared to replacing a vehicle rendered unsafe because of rust.
Increases Resale Value
When rustproofing your vehicle, you’ll give yourself options. A used car with little, if any, rust will command a higher resale value than one that is a rust bucket. Remember that a vehicle is a tangible investment, and it’s in your best interest to safeguard your investment. Otherwise, you may be in the market for a replacement vehicle prematurely.
Prevents Frame Damage
Rust can damage the frame, causing you to send your car to the junkyard sooner rather than later. Fixing a frame is sometimes cost-prohibitive, meaning buying another car may be cheaper than replacing a damaged one.
Reduces Repair Costs
Once rust sets in, it’s hard to contain. That’s one reason to rustproof. While rustproofing won’t stop rust from spreading, it can slow it down, reducing repair costs stemming from rust problems.
Improves Safety
Rustproofing annually is also about improving safety. Protecting your vehicle’s undercarriage will safeguard its structural integrity, translating into a safer ride for you and your passengers.
Protects Sensitive Parts
When rustproofing regularly, you’ll also safeguard sensors and wiring. Don’t allow rust to shorten the lifespan of these critical components. Remember that untreated rust won’t stop its destructive work. It’ll worsen and create costly issues that drain your wallet.
Prevents Rust Under the Hood
Rustproofing isn’t just about protecting the undercarriage. It’s also about preventing rust under the hood. When rustproofing your vehicle, you’ll safeguard components like engine mounts and supports that may otherwise be negatively impacted by rust. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way and save you money.
Improves Vehicle Aesthetics
Have you ever seen a rust bucket rolling down the road? It’s not a pretty sight. You don’t have to let that happen to your vehicle. Rustproofing will help keep rust at bay, protect the paint, and increase the aesthetics
Helps With Insurance
Insurance companies offer discounts for many things these days. You can get car insurance reductions by taking defensive driving courses, switching to winter tires when the cold weather hits, installing a secure system, and even rustproofing.
Of course, no two insurers are the same, so ask yours whether it offers rustproofing incentives.
Prevents Exhaust Rust
According to RepairPal.com, exhaust pipe replacement can cost between $1,132 and $1,161. If your exhaust leaks, rust will have a field day and may destroy it. Instead of a patch-up repair, you may need an outright replacement.
Avoids Floorboard Rust
Replacing floorboards can be costly, but ignoring problems with them could be a life-and-death issue. They are prone to rust from salt exposure, rain, and moisture. However, rustproofing can minimize the risks and maintain the structural integrity of your floorboards.
Rustproofing Pays for Itself
Considering the benefits rustproofing affords, it’s a good idea to make it a regular maintenance item. There are some exceptions, as you can see above. But if you value your vehicle and want to make it last, consider making annual rustproofing a regular maintenance item.
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