Corrosion Protection

Protecting Your Vehicle from Corrosion

We use the most advanced design and manufacturing technologies to combat corrosion and produce vehicles of unsurpassed quality. However, this is not enough. The owner also plays an important role in the long-term protection of your vehicle against corrosion.

Common Causes of Corrosion

The main causes of vehicle corrosion are:

• Salted roads and accumulation of dirt and moisture under the vehicle.
• Damage to paint or protective coatings from stones, chips, abrasion, or small scratches and nicks that expose the metal to corrosion.

Areas of High Corrosion

If you live in an area where your vehicle is regularly exposed to corrosive agents, corrosion protection is especially important. Salted roads, dust control chemicals, sea air, and industrial pollution are the main causes of accelerated corrosion.

Moisture Promotes Corrosion

Moisture creates ideal conditions for corrosion to develop. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, especially at slightly positive temperatures. Under these conditions, the corrosive agent remains in contact with the vehicle surfaces because moisture evaporates slowly.

Dirt is especially aggressive because it dries slowly, keeping moisture on the vehicle.

Even when dirt appears dry, it may still contain moisture and promote corrosion. High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion in rooms that are not well ventilated to dissipate moisture. For all these reasons, it is especially important to keep the vehicle clean and free of accumulated dirt or other materials. This applies to visible surfaces, and especially to the underbody of the vehicle.

Preventing Corrosion

You can prevent corrosion by following these recommendations:

Keep your vehicle clean

The best way to prevent corrosion is to make sure your vehicle is cleaned and any corrosive substances are removed. Be especially careful under the vehicle.

• If you live in an area where your vehicle is regularly exposed to sources of severe corrosion (salted roads, proximity to the sea, industrial pollution, acid rain, etc.), take additional corrosion precautions. Wash the underbody of the vehicle at least once a month in winter and perform a complete wash at the end of winter.
• When washing the underbody of the vehicle, pay special attention to components under the fenders and in other hidden areas. Perform a thorough cleaning. Do not simply wet accumulated dirt, as this will only accelerate corrosion. High-pressure water and steam are extremely effective at removing sludge or other substances.
• When washing rocker panels, sills, and frame members, make sure the drain holes are open so that moisture can escape instead of accumulating and promoting corrosion.

Keep your garage dry

Do not leave the vehicle in a damp or poorly ventilated garage. This environment promotes corrosion, especially if you wash your vehicle in your garage or park it in the garage while it is still wet or covered with snow, ice, or dirt. Even a heated garage can promote corrosion if ventilation is insufficient to dissipate moisture.

Keep paint and finish in good condition

Scratches and chips in the paint should be repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of corrosion. If the metal is exposed, contact a body repair shop.

Bird droppings: Bird droppings are very corrosive and can damage painted surfaces within a few hours. Remove them as soon as possible.

Do Not Neglect the Interior

Moisture can accumulate under carpets and floor coverings, thus causing corrosion. Regularly check under the carpets to make sure the floor covering is dry. Be especially careful if you transport fertilizers, detergents, or chemicals in your vehicle.

They should be stored in appropriate containers and accidental spills or leaks must be prevented. Any spills or leaks must be cleaned up, rinsed with clean water, and dried.