Rust is a top challenge for both car owners and car wash operators during the colder months.
It's critical to take the appropriate actions and precautions against rust in order for your customer's vehicles to continue to shine.
Today's blog will describe those preventive measures, so you can continue to succeed in the car wash business even as the dreaded winter weather approaches.
What exactly is rust?
Rust is the result of a reaction between oxygen and iron.
When these two elements come into contact with each other, they create a chemical called ferrous oxide. This substance is very corrosive, and it can eat away at the frame of a vehicle, most commonly in wheel wells or doors.
Rust can also occur when water or moisture comes into contact with the metal. The water will cause the metal to oxidize, and this will result in rust.
How do cars get rust?
There are a few different ways that rust forms.
Exposure to Salt Water, Road Salt and Rock Salt
One way a car can be damaged is if it's exposed to salt water.
Saltwater is very corrosive, and it can damage the metal on your car. If you live near the ocean, or if you frequently drive in salty conditions, you will need to be extra careful about preventing rust.
Salt can also damage a car if it's used to melt ice on the roads in the winter season. If salt comes into contact with a car, it will start to corrode the metal. This can cause significant damage to the car, and it will likely require extensive repairs.
Depending on the type of road salt or sand used it can also create small projectiles that can chip away at the paint and expose metal, furthering the problem. In areas the rely on rock salt it is possible to experience the same effect as rock chips if a large enough piece of salt contacts the body paint.
If you live in an area that uses salt to de-ice roads in winter months, you will need to take extra steps to prevent rust from forming on your car. Make sure you wash your car regularly to avoid salt stains. You may also want to consider keeping your car covered when it's not in use. This will help keep the salt and moisture away from the metal, and it will help extend the life of your vehicle.
Damage to the Paint or Clear Coat
Another way that cars can get rust is if the paint becomes damaged.
If the car's paint is scratched or chipped, it can expose the metal underneath to oxygen and moisture. This will cause the metal to oxidize, and it will eventually result in rust.
If you notice any damage to the paint on your car, make sure you take steps to repair it immediately. This will help protect your car from exposure to oxygen and moisture, and it will help prevent rust from forming.
Thunderstorms, Heavy Snow or Ice Storm
Another way that cars can get rust is if they are involved in thunderstorms, heavy snow or ice storms.
When the snow and ice melt, the water can seep into the cracks of your car, between doors, under the hood or into wheel wells. This can cause any exposed metal to oxidize, and it will eventually result in rust.
If at all possible it is best to avoid driving during a major storm.
How does rust affect cars?
The majority of people are unaware of the significant effect rust can have on cars.
Damage the Metal
One of the most obvious effects of rust is that it can damage the metal. If the metal on your car becomes corroded, it will become weaker and less structurally sound. This can lead to serious problems, such as holes in the vehicle's frame, or even the collapse of the metal.
Damage The Paint
Another effect of rust is that it can cause paint damage. If the paint on your car becomes damaged, it will not only look bad, but it will also be more susceptible to further damage from rust.
Rust can also cause the paint to peel or chip off, which can expose additional metal underneath to oxygen and moisture. This will cause the metal to oxidize, and it will eventually result in more rust.
You can see the problem, rust damage can snowball out of control quickly leaving you with an unsightly and dangerous vehicle.
Damage the Value of Your Car
Another thing to keep in mind is that rust can affect the value of your car, due to the factors mentioned above.
If you're planning on selling your car, or if you're interested in trade-ins, rust can significantly reduce the value of your vehicle.
How to prevent car rust?
Just like if your in dash warning lights came on, if you see rust forming on your vehicle, you'll want to take action.
Wash Your Car Often
One of the best ways to prevent car rust is to wash your car more often.
How often will depend on your weather conditions, lifestyle, and usage but ensure your vehicle is well taken care of.
Washing your car will remove any dirt, grime, or salt that has accumulated on the body panels and undercarriage. This will help to prevent rust from forming in the first place.
Use a Rust Inhibitor
Another way to prevent car rust is to use a rust inhibitor.
Rust inhibitors are products that you can apply to the surface of your car. They create a barrier between the metal and oxygen, and they can help to prevent rust from forming.
There are many different rust inhibitors on the market, so be sure to do your research to find one that will work best for you.
Store Your Car in a Garage
If you have the option, store your car in a garage.
This will help to protect it from the elements, and it will also help to keep it clean. A clean car is less likely to develop rust than a dirty one.
Preventing rust on your vehicle isn't a difficult thing to do, but it takes some maintenance on your part. You may have some questions related to car and rust, so let's go through some of the common questions.
Does a car wash cause rust?
This is a common misconception. And it isn't true.
As long as you use a reputable car wash, they will not damage your paint or promote rusting and will go on a long way in preventing road salt damage and discouraging rust formation.
Does washing your car in winter prevent rust?
Washing your car in winter will help to remove any salt or grime that has accumulated on the surface.
Road salt is one of the major causes of rust forming on cars, and washing your car will lower that possibility.
Can you prevent rust underneath a car?
Yes, you can prevent rust on a vehicle's undercarriage.
You can apply a rust inhibitor to the underside of your car. Which applies a protective coat to the underside of vehicles.
Car washes usually also clean underneath vehicles, which also helps in preventing rust formation.
How often should you wash your car?
Again, this will depend on your individual circumstances, but you should aim to wash your car at least once a month, but every week or two is even better.
If you live in an area with a lot of salt, snow or dirt, you may need to wash it more often.
Another thing to note is that modern vehicles may need to be washed less frequently than older ones, especially vintage models that are prone to rust and looking faded.
Does car wax protect against road salt?
Car wax is a protective coating that you apply to the surface of your car. It helps to protect the paint from scratches and UV damage.
While waxing won't provide the same amount of protection as a rust inhibitor will, it may be enough to stop some of the road salt from affecting your vehicle's exterior.
Washing and waxing your car regularly will help to keep it in good condition.
Do ceramic coatings help against road salt?
A ceramic coating on your vehicle may help with the salt affecting your vehicle as it does add some protection.
This protection is not as durable as a rust inhibitor though and will not last as long. It is important to remember that even with a ceramic coating, you should still wash your vehicle regularly to help prevent rust and keep it in good condition.
Not sure how to tackle the winter season? Reach out to Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem
Turtle Wax Pro is a universally recognized brand who is a leader in chemical manufacturing. Transchem Group adds decades of experience cleaning cars and supporting car wash operators in all seasons, and that includes the harsh winter ones.
If you operate in a region that faces what winter brings: salt, snow, ice, then you will need to be sure to tune your wash to meet those needs. The best way to do that is to reach out and ask for help. Contact us today, and we will help you get ready for the winter season!
