Ive noticed there aren't too many threads on rust so I was just wondering a few things. I have no visible rust on my car yet but it's 8 years old I have noticed some rust inside the rear wheel wells and some in the under body . I'm going to wash the under body of my car soon to get rid of all the salt then I'm going to some rust protector anywhere I see rust. I'm just wondering from those of you who have had visible rust what rusts first and is there any way to prevent it?

 

there is an underbody spray treatment you can get done to your car to prevent rust.

 

I don't have big spots of rust because I attack any rock dings I find right away. But here in KS I have seen some Max's with bad rust around the rear wheel wells and on one particular car the bottom portion of the drivers door is rusted pretty bad. I've found that washing the under carriage real good and keeping your wheel wells clean plays a big part in helping to slow down rust.

 

Every spring, lift the front of the car some and hose out every nook and cranny you can find in the lower part of the engine bay that could collect grit, dirt, leaves, and water. Don't get the intake and electrical stuff - I'm talking frame components.

A lot of rust comes from water trapped on metal, trapped by an accumulation of road gravel or leaves. Especially check the front crossmember that supports the radiator. As long as the stock drain holes don't get plugged up, the car will no pretty well.

Dave

 

old mechanics trick i was taught. spray it down with used motor oil. the undercariage and inside of the fender/doors. smells for the first couple of days but creates a nice layer.

 

Boy, those must be some greasy, smelly mechanics you hang out with.

Used motor oil is really toxic stuff, it's probably best not to leak any more of it on the roads than is necessary.

Dave