How to Deal with Rust and Corrosion on Car Metal Panels?
2 Answers
If the rust appears on the surface and the area is small, you can use water sandpaper to grind off the rust and then spray a layer of rust-proof paint. If the rust area is small, scrape off the rust, sand it clean with sandpaper, and then perform touch-up painting. If the door is severely rusted, it is necessary to completely remove the rusted paint from the door, fill and level it with putty, and then spray paint after the putty has hardened.
If my car's metal body starts to rust, I'll take immediate action to prevent further damage. First, I use coarse sandpaper to thoroughly grind the rusted area until the bare metal is exposed; for deep rust spots, I apply rust remover or scrape off the residue with a small knife. Next, I clean the surface, remove dust, and wipe it dry before applying a layer of rust-proof primer. Once it's dry, I spray on a topcoat that matches the original car color. If the rust is severe, like a rotted door edge, I'll take it to a professional shop for panel repair or part replacement. After each treatment, I regularly inspect the area and apply rust-proof wax as a preventive measure, avoiding parking in damp places. The reason is simple: untreated rust can spread to internal structures, weakening the car's body strength and compromising driving safety. I learned the hard way by delaying repairs and ending up with costly fixes. Now, I check the metal condition every six months when washing the car—maintenance is key.