No matter your efforts, sometimes you may still see rust on your car.

As one of the most problematic processes in any industry working with metal substrates, rust can seriously affect your components. Not just in appearance but in running efficiency and structure stability.

The situation can worsen from there because once rust develops, it spreads and concentrates. So if you try to trade-in your vehicle when oxidation has already started building on it, the value will be reduced. And if it’s left untreated, it can worsen the condition of your car and affect the efficiency of its operation.

Therefore, this Alphatek blog will give you the information you need to start looking for signs of rust as well as preventing it from getting worse.

What is Rust?

Rust is a result of oxidation and causes a breakdown in any iron-based compounds. When iron comes into contact with oxygen and water, this process occurs. And it’s pretty unavoidable, really. Especially because it rains. A lot.

However, rust doesn’t just suddenly happen overnight. It will happen in stages usually, working its way up until it’s at quite a damaging stage.

1.     Surface Rust

Long-term excessive sun exposure or mechanical harm like scratches and scuffs can result in the paint layer breaking down. This is often the area that will experience surface rust. Surface rust affects the top layer of your vehicle and typically manifests as marks in the body panels.

A high-grade sandpaper or other abrasive material can be used to remove the paint and rust by grinding down until the metal is revealed. At this point, the area will need to be primed before a new paint coat is applied.

2.     Scale Rust

When surface rust has been left untreated for a long enough time, it ultimately causes the metal in body panels to corrode. Road salt is known for accelerating the process which could jeopardise the integrity of the metal foundation.

3.     Penetrating Rust / Corrosion

This sort of rust is the most complex and harmful to your automobile. You may need to replace whole pieces and body panels in order to manage the efficiency of your vehicle’s operation.

What Causes Rust on a Car?

Oxidation of iron is known for appearing as a reddish-brown colour which can quickly lead to corrosion. Cars are prone to rust for quite a number of reasons:

  • Age – Paintwork and any protective coatings may deteriorate over time due to wear and tear. Metalwork will ultimately rust and corrode when exposed to dampness and moisture.
  • Materials – Older automobiles were frequently built without non-reactive coatings which renders them more susceptible to rust. More recent vehicles can be seen with protection features like arch liners on tyres.
  • Climate – The likelihood of moisture oxidising with metal components on your vehicles rises quite exponentially if it has repeated contact with certain weather like rain, sleet, snow. Increased temperatures, too, can lead to higher rates of corrosion, as well as the salts used to sand icy roads.

Are There Signs to Look Out For?

Fortunately, rust can be spotted by looking out for certain signs and performing a regular check-up every so often.

Bubbles under the paint can appear which is usually a sign that the paint is no longer connected with the panel underneath. This is often a cause of air and water getting in between the paintwork and the body panel.

As well as bubbles, there might be spots of irregular paint. Areas of paint that aren’t matching up the original work may mean that rust repair is needed. In addition to irregular paint, you should also be checking for any body damage that your car has obtained. Things like nicks and dents.

Most signs of rust will show up on the exterior of your vehicle however, if you’ve noticed puddles on the interior in your footwell areas or the boot it could be an indicator of rust. These particular signs may mean that the metal underneath that area has taken to rusting.

How Fast Does Rust Spread?

Little to exposure to moisture, water, and oxygen will result in a slower rusting process and an even slower spreading process. Typically, the speed of rust spreading can depend on multiple things.

One of the biggest factors is the grade of steel used. High grade steel offers higher protection levels and so if rust were to set in, it would spread a lot slower in comparison to low grade steel. That, along with contaminant content and electrolyte flow will help to determine just how efficiently the rust will spread.

How Can I Stop Rust Spreading?

If your car has significant rust, it would probably be best to consult with a professional to get the oxidation removed. Even more so if you believe that any element of your vehicle may require replacement.

If the damage isn’t quite as severe (surface or scale rust), you might be able to take care of it on your own and prevent it from spreading. Here’s some approaches to consider.

Anti-Corrosion Protective Coating

Anti-Corrosion coatings are designed to help protect a substrate from future damage caused by rust and corrosion.

Many of Alphatek’s Thermal Spray Coatings are uniquely created to satisfy each customers’ specific needs, some of which have their roots in high-tech aerospace sectors or in the automobile industry. Our Corrosion Protection Coatings can significantly extend component life as well as prevent the process of corrosion.

When rust and corrosion aren’t controlled from the beginning, they can destroy applications and production.

Regular Maintenance

To stop oxidation from spreading, it would be highly beneficial to undertake some standard maintenance on your automobile on a regular basis.

You should wash your vehicle thoroughly to make sure that dirt collected below the car is removed, especially if it’s been exposed to precipitation. There are common rust locations as well as places for water accumulation so be sure to go over drain holes on door bottoms and rocker panels.

Remove Scale Rust

After initial oxidation progresses, scale rusting develops. Eventually, the bubble created peels away to reveal more surface metal where rust will also attack. This process will continue until most of your car is covered.

Similar to surface rust, abrasive material like sandpaper can be used on the affected area. Just make sure to use a wired brush beforehand to remove any rough scales. Then, the surface can be primed and a new coat of paint applied.

Alphatek

Here at Alphatek, our experience is unparalleled. Our coating services have been providing excellence for more than 20 years.

If you’re interested in our services or want to ask us a question, then get in touch! Our telephone contact is +44 (0)1706 821 021. Alternatively, our email address is postbox@alphatek.co.uk.