Cleaning Your Vehicle and Preventing Rust

Your vehicle can look like new for many years, but you must take the proper steps to prevent rust.

Posted May 3, 2022

Rust can be a serious issue for vehicle owners. Not only is it unsightly to look at, but it can also cause many problems with corrosion and the deterioration of vehicle components. These precautionary measures will save you a lot of time, frustration, and money.

Wash your car

It may seem simple, but washing your car can make a significant difference. While dirt does not cause rust, it affects the protective layer of clear coat and paint on your car, making it easier for rust to enter.

While any sort of car wash is preferable, rather than not washing your car at all, the most effective is a high-pressure cleaner. This will make cleaning difficult locations, such as your underside and the insides of your wheel arches, much easier. Plan to wash your vehicle once a week and have it professionally cleaned every few months for the best protection.

Clean the interior of your car

When the interior of your car gets wet, the moisture is likely to transfer to the exterior. To avoid this, use a towel to thoroughly wipe out any moist surfaces inside your car. If you have any spills inside your vehicle, clean them up as quickly as possible; if you wait too long, the spill will become more difficult to clean. After removing the majority of the moisture with a towel, the car should be allowed to air dry.

Clean out drain plugs

When it comes to car maintenance, drain plugs are sometimes forgotten, but monitoring them can help prevent rust. These plugs are prone to get clogged with debris, allowing water to accumulate. Remember to inspect drain plugs and clear them out, if necessary, after washing your vehicle. These can be found under your car’s doors, as well as around the trunk and hood’s edges.

Salts causing rust

Road salt is corrosive, and when water and air are combined, it causes a chemical reaction that degrades your vehicle’s metal. Salt exposure on a regular basis can cause corrosion to form on your car’s bodywork and brake system. It can also harm your vehicle’s exhaust and muffler systems. Examine your vehicle for rust on a regular basis, paying special attention to the tires and lower edges of the body sides.

It is recommended that you wash your vehicle at least every second week to avoid allowing these salts to cause corrosion.

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Wax your car

Waxing your vehicle at least twice a year will keep it in the best possible condition and prevent rust from developing. This adds another layer of resistance between your car’s paint and moisture that causes rust. If you don’t keep your car in a garage, you’ll have to wax it more frequently to compensate for the increased exposure to the elements.

It’s simple to wax your car yourself, but if you don’t have the time, consider having it professionally cleaned and applying a hand wax.

Protect your car from the elements

Constant exposure to the sun, rain, and snow can damage your vehicle. If you want to keep it from rusting, keep it under cover. Consider adding a garage to your home if it doesn’t currently have one. A portable garage is a cost-effective choice for those who rent their houses, are on a budget, or don’t have much room.

If your vehicle is always left exposed to the elements, other factors like leaves, dirt, or other debris can end up clogging your drain plugs as discussed above.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.