If you are planning to buy a new car, it is highly likely that you are reading a lot about proper maintenance. Of course, your car is one of the most important assets you can invest in and you want to get the most out of it. More importantly, contemporary society is increasingly mobile and you will have to spend a lot of time in your car. As such, you want to maintain it in mint condition once you drive out of the dealership.
One of the greatest risks in car maintenance is of course rust, especially on the exposed undercarriage. Undercoating is an important car protection technique as it protects against rusting but unfortunately, car owners are confused about the varying opinions regarding the technique. If you are wondering whether to go for car undercoating or ignore it altogether, keep reading for some invaluable insight.
Undercoating in Brief
At the turn of the 20th century, different undercoating techniques were being attempted but truth be told, they were largely ineffective. Chicken fat and asphalt were some of the strange products used to prevent rusting. Today, advanced eco-friendly solvent-free undercoating solutions have been developed and in the same breath, application technologies have also advanced.
If you have been wondering whether your car required that undercoat, consider the downside of overlooking it. In areas near the ocean, salty conditions provide ideal rust conditions. During winter, the undercarriage is exposed to salt used to clear roads. More importantly, your car’s undercarriage and fenders are exposed to water most of the time. This provides perfect conditions for rusting.
While galvanized steel is used to make most car body parts, welding leads to loss of zinc, leading to exposure. In essence, you need to check out modern car undercoating solutions from a reputable brand before driving off.
Shopping for Undercoating Systems
While your car dealer might have a specific product they use, it is important to do your own research. There are many car care platforms where you can interact with other owners and even ask for recommendations of the best undercoats in the market. Go for a brand that is globally renowned for the research and development of its products. More importantly, look at the reliability of the products available in the market before making an order.
An undercoat for the undercarriage provides an extra protective measure. Rust can have debilitating effects on your car’s value and it is advisable to invest in the technique. If you are planning to retain your car for over 3 years, applying a rust undercoat should be part of your car-buying budget. To guarantee the best performance, make sure you use a high-quality undercoat and let an expert apply the same to avoid underperformance of the layer.
