Corrosion Protection

Protecting Your Vehicle from Corrosion

Using the most advanced design and construction techniques to combat corrosion, we produce vehicles of the highest quality. However, this is only part of the job. Cooperation and assistance are also required to achieve the long-term corrosion resistance that your vehicle can provide.

Common Causes of Corrosion

The most common causes of corrosion on your vehicle are:

• Road salt, dirt, and moisture that can accumulate on the underbody of the vehicle.
• Removal of paint or protective coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion, or minor scratches and dents, leaving unprotected metal exposed to corrosion.

High-Corrosion Areas

If you live in an area where your vehicle is regularly exposed to aggressive materials, corrosion protection is especially important. Common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution.

Moisture Causes Corrosion

Moisture creates the conditions under which corrosion is most likely to occur. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, especially at temperatures just above freezing. Under these conditions, corrosive material remains in contact with the vehicle surfaces, and the moisture evaporates slowly.

Dirt is especially aggressive because it dries slowly and holds moisture in contact with the vehicle. Although dirt may appear dry, it can still retain moisture and promote corrosion.

High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion of parts that are not properly ventilated so that moisture can dissipate. For all these reasons, it is especially important that your vehicle be kept clean and free of dirt or accumulated materials. This applies not only to visible surfaces, but especially to the underside of the vehicle.

To help prevent corrosion

You can prevent corrosion by observing the following guidelines:

Keep your vehicle clean

The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep the vehicle clean and to avoid exposure to aggressive materials. Pay particular attention to the underside of the vehicle.

• If you live in an area with high corrosion, where road salt is used, near the ocean, in areas with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc., you should take extra care to prevent corrosion. In winter, rinse the underside of the vehicle with a hose at least once a month and be sure to thoroughly clean the underbody in winter.
• When cleaning the underbody of the vehicle, pay special attention to components under the fenders and other areas that are hidden from view. Perform a thorough job; merely moistening accumulated dirt rather than washing it off will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. High-pressure water and steam are especially effective in removing accumulated dirt and corrosive materials.
• When cleaning the lower door panels, rocker panels and frame members, make sure the drain holes remain open so that moisture can escape and does not remain trapped inside, which would accelerate corrosion.

Keep your garage dry

Do not leave the vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated garage. This creates a favorable environment for corrosion. This is especially true if you wash the vehicle and put it in the garage while it is still wet or covered with snow, ice, or mud. Even a heated garage can promote corrosion if it is not properly ventilated so that moisture can dissipate.

Keep paint and finish in good condition

Scratches or chips in the paint finish should be touched up with touch-up paint as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of corrosion. If bare metal is showing, it is recommended that you contact a qualified body and paint shop.

Bird droppings: Bird droppings are highly corrosive and can damage painted surfaces in just a few hours. Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible.

Do Not Neglect the Interior

Moisture may collect under the floor mats and carpeting, causing corrosion. Check under the mats periodically to make sure the carpeting is dry. Be especially careful if you carry fertilizers, cleaning agents, or chemicals in the vehicle.

These should only be transported in suitable containers, and any spills or leaks must be cleaned up, rinsed with clean water, and dried thoroughly.