magazine en

How to remove rust from cars

Posted by

Although modern cars are much more effectively protected against rust through the use of resistant materials and protective coatings, no car is completely safe from this deadly killer. What starts as a small brown spot can spread quickly and become a much more serious problem. The longer you wait, the more it will eat away at your vehicle’s body and chassis, leading to costly repairs or an irreparable mess. For this reason, rust prevention is an essential element of car maintenance that every car owner must pay attention to.

WHAT CAUSES RUSTING?

Rust occurs when iron or an iron-containing material is exposed to moisture, causing oxidation. This reaction produces iron oxide (rust). The rate at which automotive parts rust often depends on a series of factors, including the vehicle’s age, climate, alloy elements, and heat treatment processes.

If the car is driven and stored in a cold, wet, or humid environment, the risk of rust increases due to exposure to rain, snow, sleet, and ice. Road salts used to melt snow contaminants also accelerate the rusting process when they dissolve in water.

Paint acts as a protective layer on the body; however, over time, it chips and the protective coating breaks down, leaving the body exposed to moisture and contaminants. Older cars are generally more susceptible to rust because they are made from less resistant materials and do not have as much corrosion protection.

WARNING SIGNS

what causes rusting
  • !Bubbles appearing under the paint
  • !Puddles or patches of moisture on the floor inside the passenger compartment or trunk. This indicates that the underbody has a corrosion problem.
  • !Minor damage to the bodywork such as dents, cracks, and scratches. Damaged parts are more exposed to moisture and dirt.

THE 3 TYPES OF RUST

There are three types or stages of rust that vary in terms of severity and aggressiveness. Identifying which stage the corrosion is at should help you find the right solution to remove or repair it.

  • iSurface Rust
    As the name suggests, this type forms on the surface of the metal and is quite easy to remove. Treating components at this initial stage is the best way to keep it under control. It usually forms when there are chips or scratches on the paint or when the paint is degraded by UV rays. It can also form on the vehicle’s underbody or wheel discs.
    It often looks flaky and forms a reddish-brown, black, or white layer on the surface. In some cases, you can use a simple sandpaper method or a rust remover to restore the car to a clean and healthy appearance.
  • iScale Rust
    If the rust begins to deepen, you may notice bubbling under the paint. As the iron oxide molecules expand, the metal begins to break down and corrode. If left untreated, it will become rough and “scaly.” The hard layers will need to be scraped with a wire brush and sanded with a grinder and sandpaper.
  • iPenetrating Rust
    This is the most advanced stage of rust and poses a structural safety risk as body parts are eaten away, weakening the frames. Holes will appear, and parts such as body panels may be irreparably damaged, requiring costly replacements. At this stage, you cannot repair the components with filler because it has already progressed too far. It is strongly advised not to drive a vehicle in this condition.

HOW TO REMOVE SURFACE RUST FROM A CAR

The Essentials

  • Masking tape + paper
  • Safety equipment, e.g., safety glasses, a respirator
  • Sandpaper (different grit sizes)
  • An angle grinder + flap disc (optional)
  • A wire brush
  • A polishing or rubbing compound
  • Primer
  • Color-matched paint
  • Clear coat (optional)
  • Rags
  • Microfiber cloths

The Procedure

Important: Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area when the car is parked on a flat surface such as a driveway or garage. Paint fumes can be toxic.

how to remove surface rust from a car
  1. Remove Rust, Paint, and Primer
    This can be done by hand starting with coarse 80-grit sandpaper and a wire brush, or by using an angle grinder and a disc. Using a machine will be more effective at removing stubborn layers and saving time. Sand carefully and thoroughly for a smooth finish. To remove rust from hard-to-reach areas or crevices, you can use a wire brush to remove rust and grime. Alternatively, you can choose to use a rust remover that can be applied with a brush or cloth. However, the product instructions must be followed carefully so that no damage is caused to the vehicle or the person repairing it. Clean the area to remove dirt and metal chips, then make sure it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
  2. Section Off the Area
    Use masking tape and paper to section off the area that needs to be primed and painted so that the rest of the surface is protected.
  3. Apply the Primer
    You will first need to use a self-etching primer or one suitable for direct contact with metal. Spray the primer evenly and in thin layers, then let it dry. After the first coat, use a wet sanding method to ensure the surface is smooth and the edges are unified. It is best to use fine-grit sandpaper (400) for this step. Clean the area and let it dry before applying the second coat. Once this coat is dry, use a wet piece of 600-grit sandpaper to smooth it again before applying another coat of primer. You can choose to cover this with a surfacing primer for added protection.
  4. Spray on the Base Coat
    Usually, car surfaces only need two to three coats of base paint for good, even coverage. Make sure to keep the coats thin to avoid drips. Once dry, you can also use a rubbing or polishing compound to give it a shinier finish. This can also help you blend the new paint with the original paint.
  5. Apply a Clear Coat
    For the final step, you can apply an additional clear coat of paint that can help the paint last longer by providing extra protection against UV rays and harsh weather.
    Removing scale rust involves additional steps because it often leaves tiny holes in the metal. These need to be filled before being repainted.

HOW TO STOP A CAR FROM RUSTING

Best Tips:

  • iCheck the car’s underbody and keep it clean. Rust under the vehicle often goes unnoticed because it is not immediately visible. They are particularly vulnerable to road contaminants, such as gravel.
  • iUndercoating and rustproofing will help prevent corrosion and the formation of iron oxide. When done well and using professional products, it can last up to ten years.
  • iKeep it clean. Some people think that washing their car regularly will make it more prone to corrosion, but this is a myth. Removing contaminants and impurities is essential to prevent rust, especially during the winter months.
  • iUse a good car cover designed to protect the body during different seasons.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *