Does a new car come with underbody armor from the factory?
4 Answers
New cars do not come with underbody armor from the factory. Owners of newly purchased vehicles can decide whether to apply underbody armor based on their driving environment. If driving in environments with a lot of gravel or poor road conditions, it is recommended that owners apply underbody armor. If the owner primarily drives in urban areas, applying underbody armor is unnecessary. Most vehicles undergo anti-rust treatment for the underbody during the manufacturing process. Best time to apply underbody armor for a new car: The optimal time to apply underbody armor for a new car is when the vehicle has been driven approximately 60,000 kilometers. Since the underbody has protective measures from the factory, gravel encountered during driving will gradually weaken these protections. Additionally, the 60,000-kilometer mark is a major maintenance period for the vehicle, making it an ideal time for owners to apply underbody armor during this service to prevent rust. If the owner frequently drives on poor road conditions, underbody armor should be applied earlier. Function of underbody armor: Underbody armor helps protect the car's underbody during driving, preventing damage from road gravel and also reducing the risk of rust formation during vehicle use.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, the probability of a new car coming with underbody coating from the factory is not high. Many manufacturers only provide it on high-end models or in specific markets to save costs. It's generally not included in the standard configuration, so you'll need to pay extra to have it installed. Underbody coating is primarily a protective layer against rust and stone impacts, made of materials like resin or rubber. In humid coastal areas or northern regions where snow salt is used, vehicles without underbody coating are more prone to corrosion. It's wise to have it installed soon after buying a new car. The cost isn't high—just a few hundred yuan can get it done. In the long run, it can extend the vehicle's lifespan and avoid expensive repairs due to rust. There are significant differences between brands; for example, Japanese cars usually pay more attention to this, while German cars might be more expensive. My advice is to always check the configuration list carefully and not take things for granted.
As a new car owner, I originally thought the chassis armor came standard with the vehicle, but the salesperson said it wasn't included during pickup and required an additional fee for installation or later treatment. I naively accepted at the time and later spent 500 yuan to apply a protective coating myself. The results were totally worth it – I no longer worry when driving over rough roads. If you're car shopping, make sure to ask the salesperson for details to avoid being caught off guard like I was. Chassis armor is crucial for daily driving, especially in urban areas where road debris is common. Post-purchase installation is easier, as most car washes or specialty shops can handle it. Don't delay too long – address it early to maintain chassis integrity. My lesson: plan and budget ahead. The relatively low cost offers high returns by preventing rust and saving money long-term.
Having worked in an auto repair shop, I rarely see factory-installed chassis armor on new cars. Most models don't come with it, so owners need to apply a protective coating. Without it, water accumulation and corrosion are common, especially during rainy or snowy weather. It's recommended to get it installed right after purchasing a new car, as the process is simple and quick. You can choose between water-based or oil-based materials, with the former being more eco-friendly. The cost is around three to four hundred yuan, and the effect lasts up to five years, saving you from major repairs later. During installation, avoid the exhaust pipe area and ensure the coating is evenly applied and properly dried.
