What are the causes of body corrosion?
2 Answers
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.
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.
