Why Undercoating Your Vehicle is a Wise Decision


Undercoating your vehicle provides a protective barrier against rust and corrosion, which is especially important if you live in an area with harsh winters or near the coast where salt and moisture can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s undercarriage. By preventing rust, undercoating helps maintain the structural integrity of your car, ensuring it remains safe and reliable for years to come. Additionally, it can enhance your vehicle’s resale value, as a well-maintained undercarriage is a sign of good overall care. Investing in undercoating now can save you from costly repairs down the line, making it a smart choice for any vehicle owner.

Primary Safeguard Against Rust and Corrosion

While the exterior paint of a vehicle often serves as an indicator of its cleanliness, it is equally, if not more, crucial to ensure the underbody remains free from rust, corrosion and damage. Undercoating plays a vital role in preventing moisture and harmful compounds from penetrating exposed areas beneath the vehicle, thereby safeguarding your investment.

​Our undercoating service provides top-tier rust and corrosion protection by sealing metal surfaces and preventing contact with oxygen, water, salt, and other chemicals. It also seals vehicle body cavities where rust typically begins. Rest assured, this treatment will not alter the appearance of your vehicle!

Factory Coatings Alone Are Insufficient

Factory undercoating, while beneficial, often isn’t sufficient to provide comprehensive protection against rust and corrosion. This initial layer can wear down over time due to exposure to harsh road conditions, debris, and chemicals like road salt and brine. Additionally, factory undercoating may not cover all vulnerable areas, leaving certain parts of the undercarriage exposed to moisture and corrosive elements. To ensure thorough protection, it’s essential to apply additional rustproofing treatments that can reach these overlooked areas and reinforce the existing coating. Regular maintenance and reapplication of protective coatings are crucial to maintaining the integrity and longevity of your vehicle

The Costs of Rust and Corrosion

During production, a new vehicle undergoes thousands of spot welds and numerous bends and folds, which can damage the pre-coated metal and expose it to corrosion. This not only causes cosmetic damage but also weakens the vehicle’s structural integrity and can impact steering and suspension components.While road brine solutions have proven more effective and economical than rock salt and sand for removing snow and ice from roadways, they come at a higher cost for motorists. According to a recent report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), these road-clearing materials have cost U.S. drivers an estimated $15.4 billion in rust repairs over the past five years, averaging about $3 billion annually.

Why Washing Your Car Isn't Enough

Washing your vehicle's undercarriage is a beneficial practice, but it alone isn’t sufficient to prevent rust. The undercarriage has numerous hard-to-reach areas where moisture and corrosive substances can linger even after a thorough wash. Road salt, brine, and other chemicals can adhere to metal surfaces, requiring more than just water to remove them completely. Additionally, any existing damage to protective coatings, such as scratches or chips, leaves these areas vulnerable to rust despite regular washing. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature fluctuations further accelerate rust and corrosion, especially in harsh driving conditions. Therefore, combining regular washing with protective measures like undercoating and routine inspections is essential for comprehensive rust prevention.

Undercoating Isn't Just For Rust Protection

Undercoating is not solely for preventing rust on steel components; it also plays a crucial role in protecting aluminum parts from corrosion. Aluminum, while resistant to rust, is still susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to road salts, brine, and other harsh chemicals. Rustproofing treatments, like undercoating, create a protective barrier that shields aluminum surfaces from these corrosive elements, preventing oxidation and pitting. This protection is essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of aluminum components, such as wheels, engine parts, and body panels. By undercoating your vehicle, you ensure comprehensive protection for all metal surfaces of your vehicle, enhancing its durability, longevity and resale value over time.

​​Rustless Rides™ is a dedicated, customer-focused business with over 35 years of award-winning expertise in car building. We are proud to operate from our home-based shop for now, as we continue to grow and deliver top-notch undercoating services for our community. In the future, we look forward to expanding to a commercial space to better serve our clients. Please note that while we operate from our home-based shop, we do not have a formal waiting area at this time.