Should You Remove Rust or Replace the Door for a New Car with Rusty Doors?

[OwenAnn]

For a new car with rusty doors, rust removal is quite convenient. Here are the specific details: 1. Light rust: If the rust is not severe, you can first use very fine water sandpaper dipped in water to gently sand away the rust spots. After completely cleaning it, apply a layer of primer to ensure the rust does not spread or worsen. For new scratches, you can clean them and directly apply primer. Generally, vehicles come with a small can of original paint; you can also buy a touch-up pen in advance. After the applied primer dries, sand it smooth with water sandpaper, then use the touch-up pen for coloring. Remember, applying primer has the effects of rust prevention and enhancing the adhesion of the topcoat. You can directly apply the touch-up pen. Small scratches or inconspicuous areas can be touched up using this method. 2. A handy tip: You can use toothpaste. Keep a tube of ordinary toothpaste in the car. When you notice small new scratches, apply a little. After rain or washing the car, it can simply act as a barrier, working fine in the short term. This is just a simple temporary solution. Ultimately, you will need to repaint for a thorough fix.

[Olga]

Seeing rust on the door of a new car reminds me of my first car's rusting experience. Rust on a new car is likely due to manufacturing or storage issues, such as improper painting or the car body being exposed to a humid environment. The first step is to check the vehicle's warranty period—most new cars can have this addressed for free within 3-5 years, so contacting the dealer directly is the easiest solution. Don’t rush to replace the door; try a simpler approach first: touch the rusted area with your hand. If the rust is shallow and doesn’t affect the door’s operation, a mechanic can remove the rust and repaint it for just a few hundred dollars. However, if the rust is deep, the door edges are deformed, or there are unusual noises inside, the problem is serious and may require a door replacement—especially since modern door materials are prone to rust spreading, which can compromise safety if not addressed promptly. I always recommend washing and waxing the car monthly to prevent rust. A new car shouldn’t have this issue, so identifying the cause is key to preventing recurrence.