What Causes the Sagitar's Chassis to Rust?
3 Answers
The reasons for the Sagitar's chassis rusting mainly include human factors and other external causes, with external causes primarily related to the usage environment. The specific reasons are as follows: Human factors: Frequently driving through waterlogged areas or often parking the car in places with high humidity, such as near the sea or rivers, causes prolonged contact between the chassis and water, leading to rust. Additionally, infrequent maintenance of the car's chassis by the owner can also result in rust. External causes are mainly related to the usage environment. Some areas have poor environmental conditions with more exposure to acid rain and corrosive dust, while others have humid weather with frequent rainfall. In some places, poor road conditions often lead to chassis impacts or gravel strikes, causing surface damage and increasing the likelihood of rust in vulnerable areas like the engine underguard and exhaust pipe. The solution to address the Sagitar's chassis rust issue is: Applying a fresh coat of paint to the car's chassis every year can significantly prevent oxidation and aging of the chassis. If rust on the chassis is not treated promptly, the rusted area will expand, and the aged metal will eventually deteriorate.
Over the years driving my Sagitar frequently along coastal areas, chassis rust has become a common issue. The main culprits are saltwater erosion and moisture buildup, especially after rain when road puddles splash beach salt onto the undercarriage, accelerating metal corrosion. Adding to this, the Sagitar's chassis coating sometimes isn't thick enough—exposure to wind and rain quickly wears it down to bare metal, allowing rust to spread. Parking in damp underground garages worsens the problem, with small rust spots expanding from pinholes. While avoiding high-salt routes helps somewhat, once rust appears, it's crucial to seek professional rustproofing treatment immediately to prevent compromising the frame's structural integrity.
Every time I wash my car, I focus on rinsing the chassis, and I've noticed that the Sagitar's chassis tends to rust mostly due to accumulated mud and water that wasn't cleaned. After long-term driving, sludge gets stuck in the chassis gaps, trapping moisture inside and preventing it from escaping, which gradually corrodes the metal parts. Additionally, during snowy seasons when de-icing agents are used on roads, those chemicals adhere to the chassis and easily cause rust spots. During maintenance, it's essential to use a high-pressure water gun to rinse thoroughly—never overlook these small details. If you spot any rust, sand it off completely and apply anti-rust paint; otherwise, extensive rust damage will cost both time and money to repair.
