How to Deal with Rust on the Car Body?
2 Answers
Here are the specific solutions for dealing with rust on the car body: 1. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the paint from the damaged area, then decide whether to replace the entire panel or repair the damaged part based on the extent of the damage. If the damage is severe, it is best to replace the entire panel. If the damage is minor, remove the corroded and loosened metal. Use a hammer to tap the edges of the hole inward to create a slight depression for applying putty. Use a wire brush to remove rust particles from the metal surface, then apply a layer of rust-proof paint to prevent further rusting. 2. Zinc paste is suitable for filling large holes. Cut the zinc paste to roughly the size and shape of the hole, then stick it over the hole. The edges of the paste should be slightly lower than the surrounding panel. Apply filler around the edges of the paste before filling the hole completely, then repaint. 3. Thin aluminum sheets are suitable for filling small holes. Cut the thin aluminum sheet to the size and shape of the hole, remove the protective paper, and stick it over the hole. Depending on the thickness required, one or several layers can be applied. Press it firmly onto the panel, then fill with putty and repaint.
I've dealt with quite a bit of body rust issues. Older cars are most prone to rusting around door edges or the chassis. When spotting rust, don't panic—first assess the severity: For minor rust spots, handle it yourself by cleaning the surface to remove dirt, gently sanding with fine sandpaper to eliminate rust, then applying rust-proof primer and matching topcoat to restore the original color. After air-drying, apply wax sealant for moisture protection. For extensive rust, professional repair is necessary, potentially involving welding steel patches—neglecting this could lead to structural corrosion risks. My prevention strategy comes first: monthly car washes with wax coating to block moisture and salt, plus garage parking to minimize sun exposure. Delaying rust treatment doubles repair costs and devalues your vehicle—acting early saves hassle.