http://www.valugard.net/index.php/rust-information-product-data-sheets-msds/ | Rust can be problematic on any vehicle and may affect its performance aside from its appearance. Here are a few tips to keep your ride rust free.

2. WITH ALL THE HIGH-TECH
MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO
AUTO MANUFACTURERS,
WHY IS RUST STILL A
PROBLEM?
Blame modern chemicals used to treat
roadways. Magnesium chloride (marketed as
MagChlor or Mag Chlor 90) is great at
removing ice and snow, and even keeping dust
under control on dirt and gravel back roads.
But this concoction is brutal on vehicles.
Magnesium chloride coats vehicles with a film
of crud, which is difficult to remove when
washing the car. It soaks in and holds moisture
from the air when humidity levels drop,
becoming an actively corrosive material.
In areas where magnesium chloride is used on
gravel or dirt roads, rust is a year-round issue,
not just a winter one.

3. HOW CORROSION
FORMS ON VEHICLES
Corrosion is caused when an electrolyte
comes into contact with a metal. In the case
of vehicles, water is frequently in contact
with all exterior surfaces. The water bonds
with the steel of the auto body, causing rust.

4. PREVENTING
CORROSION AND RUST
STEP 1: COAT THE VEHICLE WITH WAX
Areas to treat with wax:
Doors
Hood
Around the trunk
Frame
Fenders
Quarter panels
Rocker panels
So long as the paint
and body are
undamaged, water
simply rolls off most
of the vehicle body.
However, it gathers in
nooks and crannies.
These susceptible
areas can be treated
with wax, such as a
quality spray wax, to
prevent corrosion.

5. PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST
STEP 2: TREAT THE UNDERBODY
The underbody of the vehicle is most susceptible because it:
• Is directly in the path of water spray from the roadway
• Is hardest to reach to get clean
• Is often the target of
debris, which can
damage protective
coatings you use to
prevent rust
An asphalt-based product is ideal for treating the
underbody because it can withstand the impact of
flying road debris, which often hits the underbody at
speeds greater than 80 MPH.
Treat the floorboards and brake lines with an asphalt-based
anti-corrosion product for best results.

6. PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST
STEP 3: KEEP THE PAINT WELL-MAINTAINED
Most manufacturers treat cars’ paint with anti-corrosive materials, and these
usually work well until the paint becomes damaged, exposing the metal
underneath.
Take care of chips and scratches as quickly as possible using touch-up
paint available at most automotive parts stores and at local car dealerships.
Get any necessary body work done as soon as possible following an
accident. After body work is complete, re-treat the vehicle with the corrosive
barriers used in steps 1 and 2.

7. PREVENTING CORROSION AND RUST
STEP 4: KEEP THE VEHICLE CLEAN
Your best defense against rust and corrosion is to keep the vehicle clean
and well-maintained.
Wash the car thoroughly once per week, even during the wintertime. Make
sure you remove all chemical residue from roadways at each wash.
Pay special attention to wheel wells and the underbody, which have the
most contact with roadways treated with ice-preventative chemicals.

8. THE RIGHT WAY TO WASH YOUR
CAR FOR RUST PREVENTION
People who are serious about keeping their cars
in good condition hand-wash their vehicles and
try to avoid automated car washes when possible.
Many people use dishwashing detergent or laundry
detergent, but these products can damage the paint,
opening the way for rust! Use a product specifically
formulated for washing cars, or use baby shampoo,
which is mild and non-abrasive.
When washing, pay special attention to areas that
collect and hold water, particularly around the
doors, the bumper and headlights, wheel wells,
around the rear of the body, and the underbody.

9. PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM RUST
A Hybrid Undercoating dries quickly and protects the vehicle against
abrasion and corrosion caused by Mag Chlor and road salt. A top coat can
be applied over this coating for even more protection, plus a brilliant,
beautiful shine.
A Rubberized Undercoat can be painted over as well. It dries quickly, and in
addition to its anti-corrosive properties, it reduces road noise and vibrations
for a more comfortable, enjoyable drive.
A Rust Inhibitor Aerosol offers all-over protection for the vehicle’s body.

10. Valugard offers a wide
selection of products to
protect vehicles from rust
and corrosion. These
products are useful on:
• Passenger cars and vans
• Pickup trucks
• Semi tractors and trailers
• Refuse and recycling trucks
• Utility vehicles
• Fire trucks
• School buses
• Charter buses
• Police cars
• Emergency vehicles
For more information, please visit www.valugard.net

11. Sources:
http://www.valugard.net/
http://www.valugard.net/index.php/rust-information-product-data-sheets-msds/
http://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/car-rust-protection-your-guide-to-preventing-
car-rust
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/09/05/5-bad-habits-of-new-
car-owners-that-ruin-a-vehicles-value

12. Summary:
Even though auto manufacturers have developed new materials to help prevent
rust, modern road treatment chemicals still cause corrosion. But with proper
treatment and regular maintenance, you can still keep your car rust free.