How to stop rust on a car

How to stop rust on a car

If you own a car, there is a silent killer to be aware of. It is the consequence of two of the most common things that surround us all: air and water. The mixture of these two elements will create rust and slowly decay any metal surface that it can find. And parts of a car are no different. Even if you take good care of your car rust is inevitable in the long run. But do not worry! If you treat it on time you can repair it without sending your car for an expensive trip to a repair shop. You can do it at your home by yourself for little money.

First, identify the rust.

Take a good look at your car and check for rust spots. There are different levels of rust. The first one is harmless and needs a quick fix. But if you let it be for long, you will find yourself at the worst stage, and you will need to replace parts of the car to fix it.
If you have spotted rust on time, you will have no problem fixing it. The first stage of rust is called surface rust. It’s the most common rust that happens and it’s the one you’re probably dealing with. Anything beyond that and we are talking something serious. By the time it’s gotten serious, it has penetrated big holes in the car and it’s going to need to be replaced.

Second, get prepared.

You will need protection for your face and hands. Wear protection goggles, a breathing mask, and leather gloves to avoid any health inconveniences. Before you get to work, get a plastic sheeting, painter’s tape, sandpaper, wax, a microfiber cloth, body filler, touch up paint (also known as clear coat) and base paint (base coat). It might seem like a lot, but it’s probably around $100
Once you have everything in place, put plastic sheeting over the healthy parts of your car and tape it to avoid any movement. Leave the rusted area in the open.

Third, get to work.

The first thing you will do is clean the damaged surface with wax. Then, you will have to sand the rust away using sandpaper. Get rid of that horrible rust damaging your car.
If you have found that the rust has gotten into the metal, use the body filler to fill the gaps. Otherwise, continue to the next step.
Afterward, clean up the affected area, again with wax. After the wax, use the microfiber cloth to remove any dust particles that are left in the car.

Finally, paint the now rust-free zone of your car with your paint of choice. If possible, use anti-rust paint to prevent any future damage. First, you are going to use the base coat and after it dries you will use the clear coat. Do this carefully, follow the instructions for the appropriate time to let it dry. Use as many coats as necessary on this step and be patient.
For one last time, use the microfiber cloth to buff the area.
Now you need to wait at least 30 days to wax the car. After those 30 days are up and the waxing is done, you’re officially finished.

Alex rust repair
Written by Alex

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