How to Keep Your Car Rust Free

While Rusty's character in Disney Pixar's Car film was indeed a cute one, let's accept it, no one wants their hot wheels to turn into junk. Here's helping you in your tryst with rust.

Rust is merely a result of the chemical process called corrosion. Primarily, three factors contribute to the process of rusting - an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. An anode is a piece of metal that will readily release electrons under the right circumstances. Cathodes are metals that will accept electrons and electrolytes are liquids that facilitate the movement of electrons. As electrons flow from the anode to the cathode via the electrolyte, the anode metal corrodes. In the case of metals with iron in them, part of the anode metal becomes rust. The gist of all this scientific mumbo jumbo is that anything that is made up of iron is highly susceptible to rust. While you wouldn't mind losing out on the vanity of your car with a few spots of corroded metal, the fact is that rust weakens metal. When the iron oxidizes, its surface starts eroding till it eats away to the other side. You would mind gaping holes in your car, wouldn't you? Other than that, rust also brings down the resale value of a car, which should be a cause of concern if you expect your car to fetch a good amount in the market.

It is very easy for a car to catch rust. A nick here or a bump there caused by the gravel and chip stones as the car runs on the roads, can scrape the paint off the car's surface and expose the metal. This exposed metal starts oxidizing when it comes in contact with the moisture present in air, and the metal rusts, appearing as red blotches on your car's surface. Even if there is no damage to the paint coating of the car, humidity often encourages the formation of rust. Rust is also a huge factor to consider if you are buying a second-hand car. Hence, in case of a second-hand car, one needs to ensure that the worn out areas on the car's surface haven't been covered up with putty.

With India's typically hot and humid climate, it is no surprise that cars here are more susceptible to rusting. Rains aren't exactly a friend of a car's body. India is a peninsula and has a rather envious coastline, and the risk of rusting increases multifold in coastal areas.

The condition of roads in our country is also quite deplorable. A drive on one of these roads can cause much harm to the fenders and areas around the tyres; these areas are also usually the ones that are paid the least attention to since they are not very visible. However, once the rust sets in, it will only spread if left unchecked.

That said, the situation is not as grim as it sounds. Most companies ensure that the car body is made of metal that doesn't corrode for a good amount of time - this is usually the period that is covered under warranty. Once the car is a bit worn out, care and maintenance becomes even more vital for its health. Annual check-ups and regular servicing is one way of guaranteeing that the car stays in good shape. When monsoon strikes, it is advisable to use paint, lacquer, lubricant or wax to protect the car's body, while harder-to-reach areas and hinges can be slathered with durable white lithium grease for better protection. The underside of the car is also an important and often ignored area that needs to be taken care of. Either all that or you can use a quick maintenance spray, like Zorrik 88, that cleans, protects, lubricates and finally, displaces moisture.

All in all, ensuring that your car is rust free will not only add to the vehicle's life and performance, but will also help fetch a higher resale value.

Note: This article is written by Mr. Vishal Malhan, Vice President - Sales and Marketing, Consumer Product - Maintenance Division, Pidilite Industries Ltd