How to Deal with Car Rust?
4 Answers
Car rust needs to be addressed based on its location. The methods for handling car rust in different areas are as follows: 1. Car paint surface rust: Use very fine water sandpaper dipped in water to gently sand away the rust, but avoid sanding randomly. Sand in straight lines in the same direction. After completely cleaning, apply a layer of primer. For new scratches, you can directly apply touch-up paint. 2. Car chassis rust: The vehicle's underside can be treated with undercoating or sealing to protect the chassis from acid rain and corrosion, preventing the original protective layer from cracking or peeling. 3. Car brake disc rust: Continuous braking while driving can remove rust. If the rust is severe and the brake pedal or steering wheel shows obvious vibration, it's necessary to have a repair shop remove the brake disc for sanding to eliminate the rust. 4. Trunk rust: Regularly check and air out the carpet, or place some desiccants in the trunk. 5. Electrical system rust: Regularly inspect the circuit. If the wires show signs of aging, replace them promptly.
When I see rust on my car, I usually first assess the severity of the rust. If it's just surface rust spots, like on the edges of the door or hood, I use sandpaper to remove the rust, clean the area thoroughly, apply a layer of rust-proof primer, and then spray on matching topcoat paint after it dries to restore it. If the rust has penetrated the metal, such as holes in the wheel arches or undercarriage, it's necessary to weld in a steel patch or replace the affected part entirely, otherwise it will worsen over time. I always pay extra attention to rinsing off mud and salt when washing my car, and after drying, I spray rust-proof wax on the undercarriage as a preventive measure. If the car is often driven in humid areas, the risk of rust is higher, so I recommend getting a professional rust-proof treatment annually to ensure safety. DIY fixes for minor rust can save some money, but for serious issues, it's safer to spend a couple thousand yuan and let the experts handle it.
Last time I found rust on the rocker panels, so I bought a rust removal kit and spray paint to fix it myself. I used a wire brush to remove loose rust, sprayed some rust remover and let it react for a few minutes, then washed it off, dried it, and applied anti-rust coating. The whole process was simple and cost just a few dozen yuan. Remember, don't just paint over rust without removing it first, or new rust will spread quickly. When washing the car, make sure to clean the wheel arches and door drain holes to prevent water accumulation that can cause rust. For major rust spots on the chassis, I didn't dare to handle them myself for fear of improper treatment damaging the structure—it's quicker to take it directly to the repair shop. Check areas prone to water accumulation on the car body monthly; spending a little on rust prevention can save you from major repairs.
Having driven for many years, I'm all too familiar with rust issues. Tackle rust as soon as it appears to prevent spreading. The method is simple: sand the rust spots smooth and seal them with primer. Prevention is more important than repair—apply rust-proof wax after each monthly car wash, especially during rainy or snowy days. For large rust holes, go straight to a repair shop for welding—don't skimp on small things that could lead to big problems. Regularly inspect the car body and keep it dry to minimize rust.
