Does the Cavalier have underbody armor?
3 Answers
The Cavalier does not come with underbody armor. In fact, underbody armor is a protective layer, and new vehicles already undergo protective treatment during manufacturing. Here are the functions of underbody armor: 1. Anti-corrosion and rust prevention; 2. Protection against small stone impacts; 3. Protection against minor undercarriage scrapes; 4. Reduction of vehicle noise during driving; 5. Helps maintain the vehicle's resale value. Things to consider when applying underbody armor: 1. Always choose a reputable shop. 2. Pay attention to weather and road conditions (after application, the underbody armor requires a drying and curing process. If it rains or you drive on rough roads immediately after application, it can damage the material and cause it to peel off). 3. So-called underbody armor is merely a layer of rubberized paint, no more than 2MM thick, sprayed underneath the vehicle. If the vehicle is involved in a scrape, the armor won't be effective, and the paint layer will still get scratched or damaged.
The Chevrolet Cavalier typically does not come with underbody coating as a standard factory configuration. Underbody coating refers to the anti-rust protective layer applied to the car's underside, primarily to prevent corrosion from rainwater and road salts. Based on my years of driving experience, new vehicles usually only have basic paint on the undercarriage without additional protective coating. As an economy sedan, manufacturers often omit this feature in the Cavalier to control costs. However, some higher trim levels or specific regional models might include it—you can check the owner's manual or have a repair shop inspect the underbody. If needed, it can be retrofitted later at a reasonable cost (a few hundred yuan) by professional shops. Without this protection, driving in humid areas may cause rust within 1-2 years, leading to more expensive repairs. My recommendation for new owners, especially those in rainy cities, is to prioritize this upgrade. Proper maintenance enhances durability and reduces long-term hassles.
As an average car owner, I'm well aware that the Cavalier doesn't come with factory-installed undercoating. Undercoating is essentially an anti-corrosion layer sprayed onto the metal underbody to prevent rust. Omitting this from new cars helps keep the selling price down. I've consulted friends, and most vehicles don't include it as standard, especially economy models. Installation is optional—you can visit a dealership or repair shop to have a special protective coating applied, costing around 500 yuan. The benefits are clear: it extends the vehicle's lifespan and prevents accidents caused by rusted-through underbodies. For daily driving, be mindful of road debris scraping the underside and regularly wash the undercarriage to mitigate issues. Don't worry—it's not a major concern. Handle it flexibly; extra protection always brings peace of mind.
