Hello Mabs
I’ve heard that some cars are more prone to rust than others. What are the most common causes of rust and how can I prevent it from forming on my car?
Mabs Answers:
This is an interesting question and I also learned a bit while attempting to answer it.
Rust is a menace to our much-loved vehicles, ask our cousins who live in the coast they know it too well.
Rust forms when metal meets moisture and oxygen, and salt speeds up the process.
That’s why cars near the coast are more at risk. If you live along South Africa’s beautiful coast, you’ll need to show your car extra love. The good news is that modern cars are better protected thanks to galvanised steel, which has a zinc coating to slow corrosion. Older models, particularly those before 2000 didn’t have this luxury, and that is why you could see so much rust especially as they
aged.
The environment that car is in contributes to rust. It’s less about the badge on
your bonnet and more about the conditions your car faces daily. Here is how you can protect your most valuable asset from rust: wash it often especially when it’s been exposed to sea air or muddy roads. Repair those paint chips quickly ensuring that you cover any bare metal and keep rust at bay. As a safety precaution for people living on the coast, consider rustproofing treatments.
