What Causes Rust Under the Car Seat?
2 Answers
There are two main reasons for rust under the seat: poor ventilation and dampness. The seat contains metal components, and rust occurs due to humidity inside the car or previous water ingress. Over time, poor ventilation leads to corrosion of the base plate, resulting in rust. The solution is to use sandpaper to remove the rust and smooth the surface, then apply protective paint for repair. Here’s additional information: Many cars experience rust on the seat frame, primarily because the frame lacks anti-rust paint. Normally, seat frames should be painted to prevent rust. However, many car manufacturers skip this process to cut costs, leaving the frame exposed to air. Oxygen and moisture in the air then corrode the frame, causing rust. Minor rust isn’t a big issue and can be left untreated, but severe rust requires repair. It’s best to disassemble the seat to the frame and apply anti-rust paint to slow down corrosion.
I've also encountered the issue of rust under car seats, which happened several times in my old car. The root cause is usually accumulated water in the cabin not drying thoroughly or aging seals leaking. For example, when the rubber at the bottom of car doors deteriorates or the air conditioning drain pipe gets clogged, water seeps under the carpet, causing metal components to rust. I've dealt with it myself: first wiping the moisture dry with a towel, then lightly sanding the rusted areas with sandpaper to remove rust powder, and finally spraying a layer of rust inhibitor. However, if the rust is severe, it's necessary to take the car to a professional shop for undercarriage cleaning. Once rust spreads, it can affect the vehicle's frame structure, posing a safety hazard, so it's best to address it early. Regular maintenance should focus on keeping the interior dry, checking the carpet's moisture level and drainage system, and ventilating the car after rain to dissipate humidity. These practices help prevent rust and aging, extending the car's lifespan.
