Corrosion Protection

Protecting Your Vehicle from Corrosion

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

Common Causes of Corrosion

The most common causes of corrosion on your vehicle are:

• Road salt, dirt and moisture are allowed to accumulate under the vehicle.
• Removal of paint or protective coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scratches and dents, leaving bare metal exposed, makes it susceptible 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. Some common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution.

Moisture Causes Corrosion

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

Mud is especially aggressive because it dries slowly and keeps moisture in contact with the vehicle. Although mud 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 disperse. For all these reasons, it is especially important to keep the vehicle clean and free of dirt or accumulations of other materials. This applies not only to visible surfaces but especially to the underbody of the vehicle.

To help prevent corrosion

You can help prevent corrosion by starting with the following:

Keep your vehicle clean

The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep your vehicle clean and free of corrosive materials. Attention to the underbody of the vehicle is especially important.

• If you live in a high-corrosion area, such as where road salt is used, near the ocean, in industrial pollution areas, acid rain areas, etc., you should take additional care to prevent corrosion. In winter, rinse the underbody of your vehicle with a hose at least once a month, and be sure to thoroughly clean the underbody when winter is over.
• When cleaning the underbody of the vehicle, pay special attention to components under the fenders and other areas hidden from view. Do a thorough job; simply wetting accumulated dirt rather than washing it away 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 are open so that moisture can escape and not remain inside, where it can accelerate corrosion.

Keep your garage dry

Do not park 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 ventilated to allow moisture to disperse.

Keep paint and finish in good condition

Scratches or chips in the finish should be covered with touch-up paint as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of corrosion. If bare metal is showing, it is recommended that you consult 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 can accumulate under floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion. Check under the mats periodically to make sure the carpeting is dry. Be especially careful when transporting fertilizers, cleaning products or chemicals in the vehicle.

They should be carried only in proper containers, and any spills or leaks must be cleaned up, rinsed with clean water and dried thoroughly.