Corrosion.
Few things strike fear into the hearts of car owners like those three simple syllables. Corrosion is the fancy word for the process that results in rust, and rust is no bueno for cars. Not only is it unsightly, but if left unchecked, it can lead to borderline-unfixable structural damage down the line.
What’s even worse? Some cars are more at risk than others. Road salt in northern states is the main culprit, but if you live near our South Florida dealership, the constant moisture and sea salt can wreak havoc on a vehicle as well. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent rust from ever taking hold in the first place.
Wash Your Car Regularly
The most important and simple thing you can do to make sure rust doesn’t happen is to simply keep the car clean. This may seem obvious, but it’s highly underrated—many drivers only wash their car once in a blue moon, and some don’t do it at all.
Hand washing is the best way to go about it because it’s the most thorough and gentle way to wash a car. But life is busy, and some of us don’t have the time to habitually bathe our cars. Automatic car washes are still a solid alternative, and it’s way better than not washing that car at all.
It’s recommended that you wash your car roughly every two to four weeks.
Don’t Forget to Wax
This one sort of goes hand-in-hand with washing. The purpose of waxing your car isn’t just to make it look all shiny. Wax forms a protective layer over the body that can last for months in the right conditions, and this can do wonders when it comes to stopping rust from forming. The wax coating also makes the car easier to clean.
Waxing a car is relatively easy. First, make sure the car is clean and dry. Then, apply the wax in a small area, rub it in with an automotive-safe material like a microfiber cloth, then dry the excess wax off, and move on to the next area. Repeat until the process is done. Of course, you can always have the car professionally waxed.
It’s generally agreed that you should wax your ride once or twice a year, though more may be necessary if you live in a place with particularly harsh weather.
Consider Vehicle Undercoating or Rustproofing
If you’re really paranoid about rust, undercoating or rustproofing is sure to give you some extra peace of mind.
The difference between undercoating and rustproofing is in the placement and specific chemicals used. Undercoating is a layer of wax or oil-based compound that’s applied to the entire underside of the car, protecting the vital components down there from rust. Rustproofing is more for the paint and body panels, and you can buy rustproofing solutions at auto parts stores and apply them yourself.
And, of course, you can always do both.
Undercoating generally needs to be redone once a year, and it’s not exactly cheap, so drivers must decide for themselves whether or not the investment is worth it.
Keep Your Car Covered
Keeping your car in a spot away from the elements is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car healthy in general. Unfortunately, not all of us have access to a garage full-time.
If you’re in a situation where stowing your luxury car in a garage isn’t an option, you can always invest in a car cover. Many manufacturers offer custom covers through their dealer’s parts departments, but there are also plenty of aftermarket options available in a pinch. It may seem like a steep investment, but it’ll likely pay off over the years.
Fix Blemishes Quickly
Your car comes with rust protection straight from the factory—automotive paint and clear coat are specially formulated to prevent corrosion. If you have a minor accident that results in a scratch or dent, it can scrape away the paint, which means the bare metal is now exposed to the elements.
Rust patches often form in places like this, which is why it’s important to get any serious scrapes fixed ASAP.
Keep Those Cars Clean, Miami!
If you’re thinking about a protective coating to rust-proof your MINI, contact our parts department online. We also have a full-service center complete with a comfortable waiting room and certified technicians, so if you need car repair near Hialeah, give us a call at (786) 577-5210 today.
