What are the causes of body corrosion?

[Elisa]

Body corrosion is caused by: 1. The vehicle frequently coming into contact with rainwater or driving in muddy water, where metal surfaces accumulate mud and water, leading to oxidation reactions; 2. Lack of rust-proof treatment after welding repairs; 3. Exposure to chemicals; 4. Minor collisions or scratches from stones and gravel that damage the paint layer or undercoat. Methods for maintaining car paint include: 1. Promptly removing dust from the vehicle body to minimize static electricity's attraction of dust; 2. Rinsing rain stains with clean water after rain; 3. Wiping in the direction of water flow, from top to bottom; 4. Covering the vehicle with a car cover and parking it in a garage or on a flat surface away from direct sunlight to prevent paint damage.

[OMichael]

Having driven for ten years, I've found that moisture and salt are the most common causes of body corrosion. My car is parked in an underground garage where humidity is high, and in winter, road salt is spread to melt snow. When rain washes it away, the salt seeps into car seams, and the metal starts to rust. Paint is the key protective layer—if it's chipped by small stones or scratched by keys, exposing the metal, water and oxygen can quickly cause corrosion. Once, I ignored a small scratch on my door, only to find a large rust spot months later. Environmental factors also play a role—rain in heavily polluted areas is more acidic, accelerating corrosion. Bird droppings or tree sap left uncleaned can chemically react and damage the paint. Regular car washing and waxing are effective preventive measures, especially rinsing the undercarriage promptly after snowy days. Addressing rust spots early is crucial to prevent widespread damage.

[AnaLynn]

As a young person who frequently helps others with car repairs, I believe the root cause of body corrosion lies in the combination of multiple factors. The metal body is exposed to moisture, especially when drainage holes are blocked, preventing water from draining and causing it to accumulate in the layers, leading to rust. Contact points between two different metals, such as door hinges, create electrochemical reactions that accelerate corrosion. Poor welding or painting processes during manufacturing leave gaps, allowing salt to seep in—cars in coastal areas or regions using de-icing salt rust faster. Chemical pollutants like industrial exhaust fumes adhere to the paint, and humid weather speeds up the process. I've seen many car undercarriages severely corroded due to unwashed road salt. I recommend checking seams and paint every season and applying rust-proof paint immediately if issues are found to prolong the car's lifespan.

[LaAniyah]

I remember cars didn't rust so easily decades ago, but urban environments have worsened corrosion rates now. Acidic rainwater damages protective paint; winter road salt sprayed on icy streets splashes onto car bodies, especially wheel arches and undercarriages - if not washed promptly, it corrodes metal. Coastal areas face salt-laden sea breezes depositing particles on vehicles. Once my car parked under a tree for a week, and acidic bird droppings etched the paint. Neglected micro-scratches or collision cracks allowing moisture penetration accelerate rust spread. Poor drainage design in bodywork also fosters rust accumulation. Simple maintenance like post-rain wipe-downs and periodic rustproofing sprays can significantly mitigate risks.