Car Rust Guide: Causes, Types, Prevention Tips

Car rust affects millions of four-wheelers, and while it might seem like small spots at first, the tiny patches can lead to serious damage over time. If you don't catch the rust inside car early, it can eat away at the metal and compromise your vehicle's structural integrity, safety and performance.

This article will help you understand what rust is, its root cause, how to spot one and the best way to stop it from going worse.

At what age do cars start to rust?

Most cars begin showing rust signs in about 3-7 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. However, various factors can change this timeline.

For example, if you live in a coastal region, your car can start developing rust as early as 2-3 years due to continuous salt air exposure. Meanwhile, vehicles in drier regions might not show rust for 7-8 years. But if you drive in areas with heavy rainfall, waterlogging or salt-treated roads, your car might start rusting earlier.

What causes rust on a car?

Rust forms when iron in your car's metal components reacts with oxygen and moisture. This chemical reaction, called oxidation, creates iron oxide, the reddish-brown substance you see as rust.

Several factors accelerate this process in India. They include:

1. Rain, puddles and washing your car too often without drying it properly.
2. Salt from coastal areas creates an electrolyte that speeds up corrosion.
3. Small scratches in a car's paint become entry points for moisture.
4. Temperature fluctuation, such as when metal expands and contracts with weather changes, creates tiny cracks in cars' protective coatings.
5. Dirt and chemical compounds in polluted air react with a car's metal surfaces, creating acidic conditions that promote rust development.

Types of rust in car

Let's look at the common types of rust inside cars and what they mean:

1. Surface rust: It appears as small spots or patches on your car's exterior. This type affects only the top layer of metal and paint.
2. Scale rust: This type penetrates deeper into the metal structure. It looks like flaky, raised patches that feel rough to touch.
3. Penetrating rust: It is the most severe type of car rust which eats completely through metal panels, such as floor pans, door frames and trunk area, leading to holes and weakened structure.

Common rust locations

The following areas of your car are more prone to rust development due to water collection and limited air circulation:

1. Wheel arches: They are the first to collect road spray, salt and debris, making them the prime rust locations.
2. Door frames and window seals: Water trickles down and gets trapped easily for prolonged periods, especially if the weather stripping is damaged.
3. Undercarriage: It faces constant exposure to salt, water and grime. Exhaust systems, suspension components and frame rails are particularly vulnerable.
4. Boot floor, bumper and spare tyre area: Moisture and spills can get trapped inside and form rust over time.
5. Inside car floor panels: Leaks from the AC and windows can cause rust inside the car without you noticing.

How to spot rust on your car

Detecting rust early can help you avoid major damage and costly insurance claims. Look for signs like paint bubbles, blisters, discoloured or flaking paint, and reddish-brown stains near joints and seams. Run your hand along the surface to feel for rough or raised spots.

Inside the car, damp smells or wet carpets may indicate hidden rust. Also, check common water collection areas such as door jambs, boot seals, and around the fuel filler cap.

How to remove rust from your car?

Depending upon the location and severity, your treatment may differ. Here's how to stop rust on cars effectively:

1. Clean the area: Use soap and water to clean lingering dirt thoroughly
2. Sand the rust: Use fine-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to scrape off surface rust gently until you reach clean metal
3. Apply rust remover: Add a layer of chemical rust remover or rust converter
4. Prime the area: Apply primer to seal the exposed metal
5. Paint it: Apply touch-up paint and a clear coat to restore the rusted area

Conclusion

If you are trying to protect your vehicle in the long run, preventing car rust should be part of your regular maintenance. Always clean your car properly, fix scratches early and check the underbody after monsoons. But more than that, rust teaches you how unpredictable damage can be. That's where insurance helps.

Having comprehensive car insurance will protect you from the cost of many weather-related damages that can lead to rust.

FAQs

• Is rust removal expensive?

It depends on the severity. Surface rust removal may cost a few hundred rupees. Structural repairs can cost several thousand.

• What's the difference between a rust converter and rust remover?

Rust converter chemically changes rust into a protective coating, while rust remover eliminates rust deposits. Converters work better for hard-to-reach areas, while removers provide cleaner results for visible surfaces.

• Is rust covered in car insurance online policies?

Rust is not covered in third-party policy, whether bought online or offline. However, if rust is caused by an insured event, like flood or waterlogging, you can claim it with your comprehensive car insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.