Maintenance of the chassis of the car - how to protect the car from corrosion?

Why is chassis maintenance so important?

There are many security solutions on the market today. However, without a doubt, only a properly applied high quality underbody rust protector can protect your vehicle from corrosion. The applied layer protects against corrosion such elements as:

• stringers;
• tracks;
• suspension mount;
• sex. 

At the same time, it increases the safety of using the vehicle. Chassis maintenance also eliminates the risk of severe damage to the MacPherson strut, damage to control levers, or breakage of the floor plate in the event of a road collision.

What is car chassis maintenance?

The standard maintenance procedure for the undercarriage of a car or truck consists of several steps.

1. Thorough washing of the chassis and the entire surface. The purpose of this step is to remove dust, oil, earth, dirt, or dried grease. Here, a conventional high pressure cleaner is used, fed by water containing impurities of liquids that react with ingrained dirt. In case of dirt requiring more intervention, brushes with soft bristles are used. After washing, the treated area must be properly dried.
2. Grinding rust spots and welding new sheet metal in their place.
3. Degreasing with extraction naphtha and applying a zinc-based primer. The surface prepared in this way is ready for the application of the proper protective layer, which is the maintenance agent for the chassis. Remember that it must not be applied to plastic parts (wheel arches, hubcaps) or areas exposed to high temperatures (eg exhaust system). Contact with a heated surface may result in an unpleasant odor and the release of harmful volatile substances.

Preparations and anti-corrosion agents for chassis protection - composition

A specialized undercarriage care product is a product that is created using a mixture of bituminous masses, as well as waxes and highly elastic rubbers. Due to its excellent penetration into irregularities, the spray perfectly fills all the cracks where stubborn dirt usually accumulates. When applying a protective layer of the preparation on rust, it should be ensured that it is about 2 millimeters thick. This is the optimal value that provides anti-corrosion protection against moisture and mechanical damage, and hence the development of surface corrosion.

What do you need to remember when servicing the chassis yourself?

The car chassis maintenance process usually takes 2 to 4 hours and should be carried out at a temperature of 20 to 25°C. This can be done twice as needed. However, it must be remembered that the applied layer must dry well, which usually takes half a day. If you decide to apply the protection yourself, consult a specialist in the store for the choice of rust preservative in the car. The correct selection of the preparation for the care of the running gear is the key to an excellent result and maximum protection against the development of surface corrosion.

How to choose a professional chassis corrosion protection agent?

There are many anti-rust products available on the market today. If you are wondering how to choose the right chassis maintenance product, there are a few things to keep in mind. Of course, the ratio of quality and performance to price is very important. However, usually the higher the capacity of the package of preservative, the lower the unit costs for its purchase. Don't go overboard with buying "in stock", so figure out how much you really need.

An important aspect of choosing a running gear care product is how it is applied to the surface. This can be done with a special gun, paint roller or regular brush. You should also read the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the proper preparation of sheet metal for preservative application. Standard steps include a thorough wash, degreasing, possible sanding of rusted chassis elements and repairing defects, as well as drying the underbody of the car.

When choosing an inexpensive undercarriage care product, pay attention to its composition. Rubber-based products guarantee a layer that is highly resistant to water, road salt, and stone or gravel impacts. As a result, they provide above average anti-corrosion properties of the resulting protective coating. Another aspect that is of great importance in the application process is the conditions of the process. They may vary depending on the selected product. However, this is usually at room temperature and moderate humidity.

Vehicle operation means that after a while additional maintenance of the chassis in the most critical places may be required. The low price of special aerosol preparations makes them an excellent choice for the protection of small elements, such as wheel arches. An interesting feature of some bituminous masses is their acoustic properties. They eliminate vibrations, ideally soundproofing the surface and reducing the level of sounds penetrating into the car interior.

What are the benefits of car underbody care?

Proper maintenance of the undercarriage of a car or truck improves driving safety. Thanks to the inhibition of corrosion processes, it also significantly extends the life of the car. In this way, you will avoid the high repair costs associated with sheet metal damage due to the development of surface rust. Also remember that a high-quality protective coating increases the mechanical parameters of the floor panel and its resistance to stone impacts.

Are car underbody rust removers effective?

Are car underbody rust removers effective? You can be sure that they are an effective protection against corrosion of the chassis! However, they are not a solution for the corroded and rusty metal sheets of old or neglected vehicles. In their case, the only salvation may be a comprehensive and costly repair. Just applying a protective coat is also not synonymous with maximum protection and regular maintenance must be taken care of, removing dirt and salt and waxing the car. Remember that cavity protectors are not suitable for chassis maintenance. 

Can I do chassis maintenance myself?

Many people prefer to do their own chassis maintenance. If you're wondering if you can do it yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, you must have access to a garage with a pit or lift. Take care of the utmost care at every step of the process, starting with washing the floor plate.

Access to the right accessories is also important. Professional companies most often use specialized high-pressure plants for preservative coating. The high price can be an obstacle in using their services. Do-it-yourself undercarriage maintenance with a brush can give similar results, but takes more time. However, it will save you a large amount of money.

Protect your car with undercarriage care products at a low price!

Long-term operation of the car is associated with both progressive wear of mechanical elements and body elements. The metal surfaces of the housing are particularly susceptible to mechanical stress and moisture. These factors cause rust spots to form and can cause permanent damage to the vehicle floor slab. For this reason, proper protection and appropriate facilities and training are required to maintain the chassis against rust.

The autumn-winter period is the time when cars and trucks are especially exposed to negative factors. Moisture, low temperatures and salt contribute to sheet metal corrosion. High-quality undercarriage care products at a low price will allow you to effectively protect your car from rust and the development of surface corrosion. You can do the coating process yourself or entrust it to a professional company.