Is Rustproofing Your Car Worth It In Canada?

The advantages of rustproofing your automobile

Rustproofing your car in Canada goes beyond keeping your ride aesthetically appealing.

Prolonged rust damage can cause mechanical and electrical parts to fail. Who would have thought rust protection could promote safe driving?

According to Statistics Canada, over 5 million tonnes of road salt is used each winter to keep roads clear from snow and ice. These de-icing chemicals can wreak destruction on our cars, leading to rust.

It can cost hundreds of dollars to repair vehicle rust. This is one of the main reasons Canadian drivers opt to get their vehicles serviced for rust. Read on to learn what causes rust and the benefits of car rust protection.

What is rustproofing?

Rustproofing a car is the process of preventing rust through specific chemical applications and services. The protection against rust and corrosion is achieved by applying a barrier between the vehicle's body and external elements. Depending on the type, it can be used all over your car or only on the underside. It can last up to two years on your vehicle when rustproofed correctly.

Is it worth rustproofing my used vehicle?

It is highly recommended to have a used car rustproofed. Applying car rust-proof protection can limit further exposure to the elements and rust spreading. Consider how long you plan on keeping the vehicle– if you’re thinking long-term, rustproofing is great. If it’s a temporary vehicle, rustproofing may not be worth it.

Is it better to get rustproofing done in winter or spring?

According to articles, including CTV, it’s highly recommended to get your car rustproofed in the spring, not the winter.

Many of us know how harsh winter driving can be. Car rust protection can not only protect our winter drives, but it is beneficial for driving in spring. The warmer weather and humidity can create a breeding ground for rust. Aim to get the service done once a year, every one to two years.

Benefits of rustproofing

If costs are the main concern for not getting your car rustproofed, consider these other benefits that bring value to your vehicle.

• Longer life cycle : If rust isn’t eating away at your car, you’ll have a longer life for your ride.
• Lower repair costs : Mechanical and electrical repairs are often caused by rust. Active rust control products can prevent moving parts from seizing up.
• High resale value : Limiting rust can increase your trade-in value and sell faster.
• Environmental impact : Rust-free vehicles and metal components can be appropriately recycled.

What causes a car to rust?

Rust is another name for iron oxide. It forms when a metal, such as steel, is exposed to moisture and oxygen for an extended period. Salt, climate, and poor maintenance all play a role in creating rust on vehicles in Canada.

There are three main types of rust on cars :

• Surface : Can be seen on the top layer of paint, near scratches, and nicks. If it’s found early, it’s easy to spot treat and fix.
• Scale : If you don’t take care of surface rust, scale rust will appear. It can corrode body panels and remove paint from other parts, leaving bare metal exposed to the elements.
• Penetrating : If you still neglect the previous two stages, you’ll begin to notice penetrating rust will comprise the structural integrity of your automobile.

Thankfully, with proper care and getting your vehicle rustproofed, you can minimize the risk of long-term damage.

What is the difference between rustproofing and undercoating?

Both services are created to compact corrosion and can be done together or individually. However, the difference between rustproofing and undercoating is that rustproofing targets specific areas prone to rust (fenders, tailgate, body panels, etc) with wax. Undercoating is rubber-based sealant or wax that covers the entire underside of the vehicle.

4 rustproofing myths debunked

There is some confusion around the truth of rustproofing. Here are some myths about rustproofing you should know the truth about.

1. Vehicles must be rustproofed before rust appears : This is false – you can rustproof your car even if rust appears; in fact, the service will help slow down the progress of rust. Rust is repairable if caught in time.
2. New cars are rustproofed : Even with all the modern safety features and manufacturing procedures, many new cars are not rustproofed because it is seen as an after-market service.
3. Only old cars rust : It doesn’t matter if your vehicle is six months or six years old, a vehicle can experience rusting in the right conditions.
4. Avoid getting rustproofing done in winter : It can hinder, but rustproofing in the middle of winter isn’t the worst option. Make sure your vehicle is cleaned off before your appointment so the product can soak in properly.

Best rustproofing for cars in Canada

Before you schedule your rustproofing appointment, it’s worth exploring your options and how they compare against each other. It’s important to know that these options are made without VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or toxins so you can protect your vehicle and the environment.

According to Cansumer, these are the top options for car rust protection in Canada.

Krown

This service takes 45 minutes to an hour, and costs begin at $120. There will be drippage for 24-48 hours after the application. Krown is a petroleum-based rust inhibitor designed to slow down the corrosion rate and acts as a lubricant for moving parts.

Rust Check

This company treats automobiles with an inhibitor from a bonded layer on the surface layer of metal, acting as a barrier to prevent water and oxygen from being absorbed. It’s non-drying and will never crack or peel. Costs start at $120, and the service lasts about an hour. There will still be occasional drippage.

Corrosion Free

This option has a higher price tag (starting at $150), but it is drip-free, and your vehicle will be done in an hour. It is designed to prevent not only rust but also stop existing corrosion. It prevents damage from UV rays too. Corrosion Free’s formula can prevent moisture from getting into small spaces you may not have noticed.

Is rust covered by insurance?

Standard policies do not cover corrosion or rust. Rust is a type of normal wear and tear on a vehicle. Therefore your auto insurance will not cover damages from it. Rust is expected to happen to cars; many insurers will not approve the claim.

However, if you have comprehensive insurance, you could be covered for rust if there was an improper repair job done on your car, or if the vehicle was damaged by flood or heavy rain. You’ll have to prove that the rust happened due to faulty repair or extreme weather.

4 tips to prevent rust on a car

There are a few tricks to help prevent rust from developing on your car aside from overcoating it. Here are four easy tips to help limit rust on your automobile.

• Wash and wax your car : Aim to wash your car from top to bottom every 2-3 months. Doing this will help protect the paint job which is one of the top preventive measures to protect your car from rust. Wax adds another layer of protection on paint, so it’s worth doing too.
• Touch-ups : When you notice any chips of paint, touch them up. You can do this yourself, or if it’s a big job, contact a reputable professional to help you.
• Aluminum-based cars : Traditional steel-based vehicles are more prone to rust than aluminum.
• Parking : Although you can’t control the weather, park your car indoors or away from rain, trees or flooding areas to minimize rust.

Don’t wait until rust damages your vehicle to get rustproofing

Although rustproofing won’t have a direct impact on lowering car insurance in Ontario, it can help keep your repairs and maintenance costs in check.