Is Applying Butter Effective for Rust Spots?
2 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.
