Is it normal for door screws to rust?
3 Answers
It is normal for door screws to rust. The issue of screw rusting is actually quite common. Not only ordinary cars but even luxury brands can experience this problem because a car is composed of nearly 80% metal parts. No manufacturer is willing to guarantee that screws won't rust during the sales process. Additional information: Below is an introduction to car maintenance: 1. Exterior inspection: Before driving, check the doors, engine hood, trunk, and glass condition. Inspect for body damage, tilting, oil or water leaks, etc. 2. Engine and various fluids: Check the fastening condition of engine components and inspect for oil or coolant leaks at engine joints. Adjust belt tension and inspect the securing of pipes and wiring. Top up engine oil, coolant, and battery electrolyte as needed. 3. Tires: Check tire wear and clean the trunk. Replace tires when they approach the wear indicators. Inspect for bulges, abnormal wear, aging cracks, or other damage. 4. Cleaning and lubrication: Clean oil stains from engine hood hinges, door hinges, and trunk hinge mechanisms, then lubricate them. Antifreeze typically has a service life of 2 years and should be replaced during maintenance, with a thorough cleaning of the cooling system. Due to the hygroscopic nature of brake fluid, it should be replaced every two years.
Speaking of rusty door screws, I think it's quite normal in most places. I live in a coastal city with high humidity, and in winter, roads are salted, so rusty screws are a common occurrence. I've driven several cars, and light rust spots on door screws usually don't affect functionality—as long as the rust is superficial and the screws can still turn when tightened. However, if the corrosion is severe enough to loosen or break the screws, that’s a real problem—doors won’t close securely, increasing driving risks. I regularly clean door seams and spray anti-rust oil to prevent rust from spreading. When buying a used car, if I notice heavily rusted screws, I pay extra attention to check whether the rust is due to flooding or collision damage. In short, minor rust isn’t a big concern, but don’t neglect maintenance—it extends the car’s lifespan and saves money.
Regarding rusty door screws, I think it depends on the environment and vehicle condition. I live in a snowy northern area where large temperature fluctuations in winter and road salt make screws prone to rust, but it's not a major issue. My car is five years old, and the door screws show rust marks, but they function normally without needing repair. If a new car develops rust within just a few months, it might indicate manufacturing defects or sealing failure, allowing rainwater to seep into door gaps and cause corrosion. Here's a simple solution: use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to remove rust, then apply some grease for rust prevention. Avoid scraping with hard objects to prevent screw head deformation. Park in dry areas when possible to minimize moisture exposure. If concerned, visit a repair shop for professional assessment of screw strength using specialized tools—a small expense to avoid bigger troubles.
