Like every item made with metal, vehicles are prone to rust. The area of a vehicle that is most prone to rust is the chassis. Chassis refers to the base frame of a vehicle, that bears its weight and gives it support. The chassis bears the stress of the vehicle whenever it is moving or in a static position, and as such, it is important that it is in good shape at all times. You do not have to lose your car to rust, as there are measures to take in fixing this problem. This article discusses all that you need to know about de-rusting the chassis of your vehicle.
Why do Cars Rust?
Rust is caused by a process known as oxidation. It is the electrochemical breakdown of metals that are iron-based. Some of the causes of rusting in cars include the following.
– Climate: The weather and climate impact rusting in vehicles. This is true because certain substances affect the rate of rusting. These substances include rust, snow, hail, and rain. Exposure to salt and moisture will leave the chassis of your vehicle rusty.
– Driving Habits: The way you drive affects the rate and speed of rusting of your chassis. Driving through sand, puddles, off-roads, and mud on a regular basis will expose your car to debris and moisture that will cause rusting. The age of the vehicle is another factor that impacts rusting.
How to De-rust the Chassis of Your Vehicle
De-rusting the chassis is crucial to extending the lifespan of your vehicle. This is why it is essential that you do it properly.
- Expose the Chassis: The first to take is to expose the chassis, in order to have room to work properly. This can be achieved by lifting the vehicle on a jack.
- Remove the Rust with a Brush: Using a brush will get most of the loose rust off. This will make the whole process a lot easier and faster. This should be followed by abrasive cleaning that will remove the remaining rust.
- Wash the Chassis: After removing the loose rust, the next step to take is washing the frame of the vehicle. This ensures that all the rust is removed completely. Wash with mild soap and water.
- Apply Primer: Once the chassis is dry, applying primer is the next thing to do. You need two coats of primer for this purpose. Apply the first coat and wait for it to dry. After which you can apply the second coat, before painting the chassis and restoring the vehicle back to normal.
How to Protect Chassis from Rust
Some of the ways to protect the chassis of your vehicle from rust include:
- Driving Carefully: This entails avoiding puddles and mud while driving. If you travel on mud trails or salted surfaces, be sure to wash your vehicle after the trip.
- Carry out a rust inspection regularly. It is best to do this at least once a year.
- Use a car cover as it serves as a protective layer for your chassis and protects it from the elements.
Conclusion
Rust can reduce the worth of your car. It is very important to follow the information above.
