How to prevent corrosion

Corrosion is not just a harmless phenomenon that only affects the aesthetics of a vehicle. Corrosion can be quite problematic as it corrodes and degrades the material, potentially causing serious and costly damage.

Although newer cars come with factory protection and long-term warranties against corrosion, they are still not immune to physical damage that creates a foundation for corrosion, such as scratches that can occur in various ways, often from driving on rocky and gravel roads. Below, you can read a few useful tips on how to prevent the occurrence of corrosion.

Inspection of the entire vehicle

When we talk about the occurrence of corrosion, we don’t just mean the car body, but also the rims, undercarriage, areas around the wheels, side skirts, and doors. It is especially important to pay attention to these parts if you are buying a used car. From time to time, visually inspect the entire vehicle. Besides visible signs, a sure indicator is the appearance of “bubbles” under the paint. If you notice the aforementioned scratches, know that it is only a matter of time before corrosion appears on the exposed parts. Also, do not neglect the interior of the vehicle - if you have spilled something or if the floor mats are wet, open the doors and try to eliminate the moisture from the vehicle as soon as possible.

Protecting the car from moisture

Corrosion or rust occurs when a car is exposed to external influences, primarily moisture. For this reason, it is best to keep your car in a garage if possible. Moisture is especially problematic in winter conditions, as it accelerates the corrosion process and erodes the underside of the car. Therefore, it is very important to thoroughly rinse the salt from the underside of the car and the areas around the wheels with a compressor at least once a week during winter. It is advisable to wax the car at least once a year to provide additional protection for the paint, and to apply an appropriate product to the plastic parts under the doors.
 

Products that prevent rust

There are various anti-corrosion products on the market that you can apply yourself, with sprays being the most practical. Many experts recommend additional, preventive protection for the underside of the car. It is important to know that anti-corrosion protection should be applied while the weather is still warm and dry to achieve the best effect.

Professional help

If there are visible signs of corrosion, we recommend leaving the repair to professionals who will thoroughly clean the critical parts, remove the corrosion, and apply the appropriate protective agent. Keep in mind that poorly repaired corrosion does not solve the problem; on the contrary, it continues to progress and will significantly reduce the value of your car.
Our advice is that if you notice any irregularities on the car, contact one of our partner services from the TotalEnergies Workshop Concept.