What Leads To Rust?
When metals, similar to those used in your car’s body come in contact with elements like iron, oxygen, and water, it causes rust. The reaction between the car’s body and the elements breaks down the metal which results in creating a reddish-brown substance known as iron oxide. So which vehicles are more susceptible to rust? It mostly occurs in vehicles that are old and have experienced some sort of wear and tear, like scratches or dents, which can expose the metal to the elements. Newer vehicles are less prone to rust as they have an extra layer of protection called galvanization. It is because the metal is coated with zinc to shield it from potential rust damage.Most Common Causes Of Rust
Here are some of the most common causes of rust.
1. Water
When your car is exposed to heavy rain or is frequently driven through puddles, it raises the possibility of rust formation.
If not thoroughly dried, areas such as spots behind the rear tires, in the wheel wells, and on the wings, that tend to accumulate water become easily susceptible to rust.
2. Weather Conditions
Another weather condition, along with heavy rainfall, that may lead to rust is humidity and hot air. Moreover, snow may have a similar impact if it hasn’t been cleared well.
3. Impact Of Your Driving Habits
Most people might not consider this factor when it comes to rust. Certain driving behaviors can increase the likelihood of rust damage. An opening is created for rust-causing substances to enter as your car gets small chips or scratches due to reckless driving habits. While everyone knows how to avoid major collisions and accidents, you should also make sure that you are not driving too closely to other vehicles. Another way is to drive carefully on resurfaced roads and be mindful of areas with small stones and pebbles.
4. Salt
One thing that may accelerate the rusting of your vehicles is the salt, especially in seawater. The saltwater makes the electrons move freely which speeds up the process. As your car comes into contact with the mixture of salt and sand that is used on roads during freezing conditions, it may increase the risk of rust.Top 9 Tips On How To Remove Small Rust Spots From Cars
Wondering what to do with rust on cars?
Here’s how to remove small rust spots from cars.
1. Identify Rust Categories
The very first step in how to treat rust on cars is to identify which category of rust you are dealing with. You can begin to check the rust spots for signs.
Based on severity, rust falls into three main categories. These include:
- Surface rust is the mildest form of rust and typically appears as a light blemish on the metal surface.
- Scale rust arises when the rust is left untreated. Despite being a bigger challenge than surface rust, this one can also be treated at home. Signs of this include bubbling or flakes of rusty metal.
- If you neglect the rust on your car’s surface for a long time, it develops into penetrating rust. This one is signified by visible holes on the surface and if the rust has permeated entirely through the metal, you can know that it is the penetrating one.
Once you check the rust spots for signs and identify the category you will have to work with, you can move on to the next step and start with the actual grunt work.
2. Prepare For The Process
Prepping your car is the next step to move on to after you have figured out what sort of rust you are dealing with. To ensure that there are a few inches of gap around the treatment area, cover the vehicle with a plastic sheeting. The next tip would be to keep yourself protected for which you have to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a dust mask.
3. Surface Cleaning
To repair rust spots on cars, you have to make sure that the surface is clean. To do that, you can use a wax and grease remover to clean the area and subsequently repair rust spots on cars. If you skip this step, the sanding process may contaminate the metal, further adding to your problems.
4. Sand Away The Rust With 40-grit Sandpaper
Before you start the sanding process, use a scrapper to free up any loose bits of rust and paint. Wondering how to touch up rust spots on cars?
Well, the best way is to sand them away. When you want to fix small rust spots on car, make use of 40-grit sandpaper to eliminate the majority of it. The rough texture works well against the surface and evens scale rust.
To sand away the rust:
- Press the sandpaper flat onto the rusted area and move it swiftly from side to side.
- As the existing section of the sandpaper wears out, you can move to a new one.
- You may need a few sheets to remove severe rust completely.
- Sand away the rust until you get to see the bare metal.
5. Go For 120-grit or 220-grit Sandpaper For A Finer Finish
After the initial spot treatment with 40-grit sandpaper, you can utilize 120-grit sandpaper to smoothen out its edges. As you remove the rust, you need to switch to a finer sandpaper to blend the sanded area and eliminate any paint edges. The metal has to feel even at this point with no significant difference between the painted section and the bare metal. A tip for sanding is to go in small circles along any edges that formed during the initial sanding for a smooth surface. After using 120-grit sandpaper, you can move on to the 220-grit sandpaper for an even smoother and finer finish.
6. Recleaning
It is then time to use a wax and grease remover again to clean the area, prepping it for primer and paint application. You can get the automotive primer and base paint from the nearest auto parts store. By using the paint code, you can ensure that the primer and paint match your car’s color. Another important thing to keep around is the clear coat which is available in spray cans or for use with paint guns and air compressors if you have them. The clear coat is designed to protect metals from some common contaminants such as moisture and dust.
7. Go For A Zero-Rust Primer And Paint
The first thing to consider when choosing to do paint over rust on cars is to find the precise match for your car’s paint color. Most vehicles have a “paint code” indicated on labels inside the driver’s side door frame or sometimes under the hood. To perfectly paint over rust on cars, you can provide your person of contact at the auto parts store with the code so they can get you the exact match. In case you are unable to find the paint code on the car’s body, you can find it in the owner’s manual or even the manufacturer’s website. If you want to skip the primer, you can opt for a rust-preventing paint like Zero Rust because then a separate primer isn’t necessary. Depending on the environment or the atmosphere, such a paint would dry within a short span of 30 minutes. After the first coat dries up, you can apply a second one if required.
So here’s how to go about it:
After your primer or Zero Rust has dried, lightly sand it, clean it, and then apply your topcoat of automotive paint.
8. Opt for Quality Steel Wool
Looking for more tips on how to treat rust on cars?
One way is to opt for quality steel wool. Before buying steel wool, make sure it is genuine and not a thicker or plastic imitation. With a ball of high-quality steel wool, you need to put your gloves on to keep your skin protected. You can then add a drop of water and gently scrub the rusted area. To minimize dust buildup, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
9. Lemon Juice and Baking Powder Method
A tip for how to hide rust on cars that you can easily work on with affordable items that you may already have at home is demonstrated below.
- Make a mixture of lemon juice and baking powder similar in consistency to toothpaste.
- For the paste to adhere properly, it is important to ensure that the car part is not overly wet.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes before scrubbing the rust off.
Now that you have an idea of what to do with rust on cars, you are better equipped to make decisions to keep your vehicle in the best condition.“
Fix Small Rust Spots On Cars With Detailing Squad
If you are someone who has tried all the above-mentioned tips to fix small rust spots on cars and there are still no results or if you are too busy to try out these strategies, Detailing Squad is here to do the job for you! At Detailing Squad, we recognize that your vehicle is more than just a mode of transport. It’s an expression of your individuality and taste. That’s why we offer top-notch exterior car detailing services to ensure your car radiates its finest.
1. Our Exterior Detailing
We will make sure your car’s exterior shines through with our thorough polishing and finish.
2. Paint Correction And Protection
The protective coating that we will apply to your car’s paint will say goodbye to its swirls and scratches once and for all. It will maintain its spotless appearance for a long time.
Join our satisfied customer base of over 1127 individuals, all backed by our 100% service guarantee. With a team of 28 dedicated cleaners, we have completed 1964 successful cleans.
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FAQs
Wondering how to get rid of surface rust on a car?
Here’s a quick overview of how to get rid of surface rust on a car.
Remove loose paint and identify the surface rust area.
Apply lubricant
Clear away paint chips and dust
Eliminate surface oils
Mask off the rusty area
Sand down rust
Apply paint primer
Wet sand primer
Apply fresh paint
Remove paint covers.
Table 1
This is how to hide rust on cars.
Yes, due to its acidic properties, vinegar serves as an effective method for removing rust from metal.
To make it work, submerge the car part in vinegar for approximately 24 hours and get the results you are looking for.
It isn’t unusual to find a surface rust that chips away your car’s paint.
While it may only seem like a cosmetic issue at first, rust that isn’t taken care of on time will damage the whole body of your car by producing holes and eating through its metal frame.
It can prove to be dangerous as it may affect your car’s structural integrity.
