How to Prevent Car Rust in Winter

Back in Chicago, I learned from my father that a car requires more attention during winter than any other season. Before winter hit, he would spend hours oil-coating, fixing dents, and waxing the car.

He explained what I would later discover as I became more interested in cars—the low temperature, moisture, grime, and road salt are catalysts of rust. Leaving your car unprotected leads to rust, which ruins its appearance and performance.

What’s scarier is rust in the hidden places. While you can quickly spot a rust on the wheel arches, you might not notice a corroded brake lines until it causes a brake failure!

Rust can compromise the car’s safety and value and rack up expensive repairs, so you should know these five ways to protect your car during winter.

5 Ways to Protect Your Car from Rusting in Winter

1. Fix Existing Damages Like Dents and Scratches

   

   As a responsible car owner, you should always inspect your car for major and minor damages before winter arrives. Scratches, dents, cracked paint, and other seemingly insignificant things may affect the integrity of your car’s exterior and interior.

   Once moisture gets into these openings, it can result in paint oxidization, metal corrosion, and the car’s components’ failure.

   When I moved to Wisconsin, I had a friend with whom I rode off-road. During one ride, his exhaust pipe got slightly ruptured. Against my advice, he delayed the repairs. The damaged part eventually affected the engine and caused the car to break down. He got a car towing service and some expensive repairs.

2. Apply Rustproof Coating

   

   Rustproof coating protects your car’s paint job and exposed components from moisture, dirt, and road salt. I prefer regular car wax, but alternatives like oil-based rust inhibitors are just as good.

   The protective layer will prevent ice and snow from gathering on your car. You should regularly reapply the rustproof coating throughout winter. It will protect and keep your car aesthetically pleasing.

3. Install Mud Flaps and Splash Guards 

   

   The mud flap and splash guards have similar functions to protect your car from snow, mud, and water. While you can use either one, your location’s weather and road conditions might require you to use both.

   They help to reduce the impact of ice, salt, and dirt on the underparts and sides of your car. As you know, rust can come in if these catalysts start to gather on your car parts.

4. Keep the interiors dry

   

   Although not easily noticed, rust can also occur inside your car. The commonly affected parts are under floor mats and the seat rails.

   You should check regularly for leaks and condensations. Once you notice an alteration in condition, be prompt to fix it.

   Also, if you or others frequently eat and drink inside your car, occasionally check for Mold formations caused by liquid spillage.

5. Wash Your Car More Often

   

   During winter, your car parts easily accumulate dirt. Regular car washes can protect your car from rust and even sun damage.

   To properly clean, use a pressure washer to remove the unwanted buildups and apply a rust inhibitor under the car.

   If you don’t have the tools to wash your car correctly, it’s better to take it to a car wash service.

   Meanwhile, some people may decide to get a car detailing. This lasts longer than a regular car wash and helps you get a complete car diagnosis.

Effects of Rust on Your Car

1. Ruins the car’s appearance 

   

   Apart from a car’s performance, one of the things we equally consider is the visual appeal. Even after purchasing a car, we try to maintain the original appearance—the shiny paint and clean interiors. These will sometimes draw compliments from others.

   Rust can, however, take all that away. Once it attacks a car, it can ruin its appearance and make it look old and poorly cared for.

2. Affects Structural Integrity

   

   Your car has essential parts that form its framework that help maintain its safety and stability. They include the frame, floor panels, and transmission tunnel. If they begin to rust, it will affect your car’s performance and make it unsafe to drive.

   In fact, it may even cause the car to be condemned. Therefore, ensure you schedule regular inspections to keep your car in good condition.

3. Compromised Mechanical Parts

   

   Mechanical parts like brake lines, exhaust pipes, and the gas line can be susceptible to rust. Their prolonged exposure to road salt and moisture can cause corrosion and performance reduction.

   A rust coil spring may cause a car to be misaligned. Similarly, a rust gas line may place the car and its driver at risk of combustion. Once overcome with rust, these parts can become expensive to repair or replace.

4. Low Resale Value

   

   Let’s say you come across an online advert announcing a red classic car for sale. You fall in love with it and quickly contact the seller for an inspection. During the inspection, you discovered a rusty chassis. If you decide not to leave the deal, you’ll offer less than the car’s valuation.

   It’s because rust can indicate poor maintenance and underlying car problems, which might cause the buyer to spend money on repairs.

   A rust-free car will help retain its valuation when you decide to resell or trade it.

5. High Maintenance Costs

   

   A rusty car part can put a strain on other car parts. Repairs can range from body fillings to total part replacements if this leads to an eventual breakdown. That’s why you should always seek professional help at the first sign of rust.

Does Oiling Your Car Prevent Rust?

Yes, oiling your car can safeguard it from rust. It’s known as rustproofing or oil undercoating.

You apply an oil-based coating to susceptible car parts like the underside. This coating protects your car from road salt and moisture.

Lanolin-based and petroleum-based oils are generally better for oil-coating your car.

What is the fastest way to fix rust on a car?

First, use sandpaper to remove the flaked metal. Apply a rust converter afterward to prevent rust from forming again. After that has dried, apply a primer and then touch it up with matching car paint.

What Makes Cars Rust Faster?

Road salt, moisture, scratches, and neglect can rust cars faster. When salt combines with moisture, it quickly degrades a car’s metal parts.

Scratches and dents ruin the protective paint of a car and expose the metal to oxidization.

Finally, irregular car washes and not waxing your car can cause dirt to build up on it. Over time, the dirt will induce rust.