How to remove and prevent rust on your car

Anyone who’s dropped their car in to get a safety inspection report only to be met with their mechanic’s disapproving sigh and head shake knows all about the hassle and cost associated with car rust. And as long as cars are made from steel and metal alloys, rust will be one of their greatest enemies.

So what are the best ways to prevent car rust and, when you have to, remove rust from your vehicle?

Prevention is better than cure: 5 tips for protecting your car from rust

Rust thrives on moisture and salt. Those of you in humid or coastal environments

will find preventing car rust a challenge. But it’s worth it to protect your car’s resale value and structural integrity and avoid expensive maintenance costs if the problem gets away from you and needs professional attention.

1. Wash your car regularly and don’t forget to wash the underbody which can be particularly susceptible to damaging rust. Use a pressure washer to clean out debris and dust or take it to a car wash service that will give the underbody plenty of attention.
2. Dry your car thoroughly using a microfibre cloth to get all remaining moisture out of its nooks and crannies.
3. Use a well-fitting car cover to protect your vehicle from rust fed by rain, snow and salt or just by a damp garage.
4. Wax your car several times a year to ensure a barrier between the paint job and the outside environment.
5. Rust loves small scratches – they give moisture an entry point through the paint’s protective coat – so fix them as they happen either with a DIY paint touch-up or by taking them to a professional.

Rust treatments for cars: 5 products to help prevent and remove car rust

There are plenty of products that can help you keep the dreaded “tin worm” at bay or battle it in its early stages. Be aware, however, that advanced corrosion can be a serious safety issue for your vehicle and should be dealt with by a professional. Your goal is to stop rust from getting that bad.

1. Rust inhibitor products are designed to create an extra protective layer over areas susceptible to rust like the chassis and door cavities. Think of them as a super powerful raincoat that stops moisture from wreaking havoc on your car.
2. Car wax doesn’t give the same level of protection as a rust inhibitor but used regularly, is a good way to prevent the scratches on the paintwork that can ultimately lead to rust.
3. Consider a ceramic paint protection coating, the ingredients of which are designed to fill the tiniest indentations in your car’s surface and create a protective shield that prevents scratches and is water-repellent.
4. Rust converters are best used on minor areas of rust and convert the rust into an insoluble, protective coating, preventing further corrosion.
5. Rust removers dissolve the rust, removing it from the surface altogether. But keep in mind that rust removal requires a careful approach – too much enthusiasm can cause more damage than good.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}