Have you wondered how to keep rust from spreading on your vehicle? If so, read this post by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake to learn helpful information and tips on the matter.

As you know, your vehicle constantly faces environmental hazards and risks, for example, salt, acid rain, mud, and even bird poop; however, nothing compares to the damage associated with its main nemesis: rust. All vehicles are vulnerable to rust regardless of their quality or how new they are. By neglecting maintenance and cleaning for an extended time, rust can form and spread to all metal components and even reach the brake lines and electrical wiring. It goes without saying that rust is a severe problem that can make a dent in the performance and appearance of your vehicle, but that's not all, as it also directly influences the acceleration of a vehicle's devaluation as soon as it appears. Nevertheless, rust is preventable by taking into account its maintenance and cleaning. If you want to learn more about this topic and how to keep rust from spreading on your vehicle, continue reading this post by Mike Ford Shop.

For more information on protecting your vehicle against rust, premature wear, and overheating, visit AMSOIL's website or contact Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 to speak with their oil experts about their top-shelf products and the most reliable synthetic oil in Ham Lake.

First of All, What is Rust?

To better understand the problems related to rust, it is essential to review what exactly rust is; well, as you probably remember from your chemistry classes, rust is formed by the union of three elements: oxygen, humidity, and a metallic element. That said, it's worth mentioning that humidity is the most determining element in the speed of rust formation; in other words, the more humid the environment, the faster the effects of corrosion will be. Another factor that can favor corrosion is salt poured on the road during the winter; this is because, like water, salt contains electrolytes (acids and salts dissolved in water), which accelerate the corrosive effects of rust.

Why Do Cars Rust?

Vehicles contain many components made of steel, including the exhaust pipe, chassis, and underside of the car. In this regard, it's essential to mention that steel is an alloy of iron and small amounts of carbon; therefore, it is susceptible to corrosion. Because of this, automobile manufacturers usually use different materials to coat and protect the steel of the cars, for example, zinc, paint, and oil. Nonetheless, there are areas where the metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen (areas susceptible to scratches or dents, the edges of panels or wheel wells). If rust forms in such places, it can quickly spread and turn all the car's metal parts into rusty flakes; hence, it is imperative to prevent this problem.

Avoid rust by spraying all the exposed metal in your car with MP Metal Protector, a spray-on product designed to cut through rust and prevent corrosion. Call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 and ask their oil pros about all the top-tier products you can employ to keep your car in good working order, including the most effective synthetic oil in Ham Lake. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online shop to purchase top-shelf products and lubricants.

How to Keep Rust From Spreading

Inspect Your Vehicle for Signs of Rust

Start by checking the most rust-prone parts of your vehicle. Looking at the wheel wells, the edges of the body panels and the paint on the car's undersides can help you detect and repair any early signs of rust. In addition to the typical brown spots of rust, look for things like paint cracking or bubbling under the paint, as these are other common signs of rust. If you don't have the proper equipment to check your car's underside by yourself, have the area inspected by your trusted mechanic whenever you take your vehicle in for its routine service.

Wash Your Car

The best preventive measure to avoid the formation of rust on your vehicle is to wash it regularly. After all, many abrasive particles tend to settle on your car's surface; when they do, they can erode the layers of paint that protect the metal, leaving it exposed to moisture and oxygen. That being said, washing your vehicle thoroughly at least every three months or with every change of season is imperative. When doing so, apply an anti-rust spray to the undercarriage, places with scratches or dents, and any other areas with exposed metal.

Lastly, Wax Your Car

Waxing your vehicle is essential for two reasons; on the one hand, it helps your car's paint look more vibrant, shiny, and eye-catching. On the other hand, wax forms a protective barrier against environmental hazards, from UV rays to moisture and oxygen, so we recommend waxing your car at least twice a year to keep your paint safe.

We hope this post on how to keep rust from spreading on your car will help you keep your vehicle in top condition. Another way to care for your car is by keeping its engine well-oiled; to that end, call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130, and ask for the most effective synthetic oil change in Ham Lake. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order for quality motor oils and products.