Is Applying Butter Effective for Rust Spots?
4 Answers
It can be somewhat effective. The treatment for rust on a car depends on the location of the rust. Here are the methods for handling rust in different areas of a car: 1. Rust on the car's paint surface: Use very fine sandpaper dipped in water to gently sand away the rust. Avoid sanding randomly; instead, sand in straight lines in the same direction. After completely removing the rust, apply a layer of primer. For new scratches, a touch-up pen can be used directly. 2. Rust on the car's chassis: The vehicle's underbody 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. Rust on the car's brake discs: Continuous braking while driving can remove light rust. If the rust is severe and causes noticeable vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel, it's necessary to take the car to a repair shop to remove the brake discs for sanding and rust removal. 4. Rust in the trunk: Regularly inspect the trunk and air out the carpet frequently, or place some desiccants in the trunk. 5. Rust in the electrical system: Regularly inspect the electrical circuits. If any wires show signs of aging, replace them promptly.
Every time I see someone applying butter to rusty spots, I feel it's quite a pity. This method sounds simple but has poor actual results. Rust is a natural process of metal oxidation. Butter might provide temporary lubrication, but its oil content attracts dust and moisture, which over time accelerates corrosion and spreads rust faster. A more reliable approach is to first thoroughly sand off the rust layer with sandpaper or a wire brush to expose clean metal, then apply automotive-specific rust inhibitor or spray a layer of primer to protect the new surface and prevent further rusting. If the rust is severe, replacing the part might be necessary to avoid safety issues. The core of car maintenance lies in prevention. Regularly checking small rust spots on the chassis and door corners can save you from major repairs. Don't cut corners by using the wrong materials and making the problem worse.
I also tried applying butter to the rusted area as a temporary fix for the squeaky car door. Initially, it seemed to provide some lubrication, but after a few days, it stopped working and even made the door stickier because the dried butter accumulated dirt and caused more blockage. My advice is not to waste your effort—car rust requires targeted treatments like using WD-40 spray to dissolve rust or natural rust removal methods such as lemon juice mixed with salt for cleaning, followed by a protective coating. DIY enthusiasts should remember: car parts and environments differ from kitchen tools, and short-term makeshift solutions often fail and can cause long-term harm. Investing a few dozen dollars in proper rust prevention products saves hassle and ensures durability. Don’t let minor issues escalate into safety hazards.
Applying butter to rusted areas is basically ineffective. Butter is not an anti-rust material and will accumulate dust and absorb moisture, accelerating the oxidation process. I recommend immediately stopping this attempt and switching to professional methods: simply clean the rusted area, scrape off loose rust, and then apply anti-rust spray to seal the new metal. Timely treatment can ensure vehicle safety and reduce subsequent expenses.
