2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
Corrosion does not look at either the brand or the cost of the car and sooner or later manifests itself in the form of rust, swelling of the paintwork or a completely rotten body part. Despite modern technologies designed to protect the metal, no one has yet been able to stop it. Water, dirt, temperature changes, mechanical damage, road chemicals slowly do their job.
The lower part of the car body is the first to suffer from such factors. But is there any way to prevent corrosion? We will talk about this, and also consider what anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom of a car is and how to implement it on our own.
Can corrosion be avoided
It is important to understand that any automotive metal will rust. For some, this manifests itself earlier, for others later, therefore, corrosion cannot be avoided. But it can be stopped by protecting metal surfaces from environmental influences as much as possible.
There are three types of body corrosion:
- chemical - an oxidative process caused by interaction with water and oxygen in the air;
- mechanochemical - corrosion caused by mechanical damage and the same oxidative processes;
- electrochemical - caused by exposure to water and aggressive components dissolved in it, used to combat road icing.
When these three types act on the metal at the same time, the corrosion process is much faster.
What is anti-corrosion treatment
Anti-corrosion treatment is a procedure during which body parts that are potentially exposed to harmful environmental influences are cleaned of dirt, rust and covered with a layer of a special protective substance. This solution can significantly slow down corrosion due to metal insulation. Of course, such a coating cannot last forever, so it must be renewed every 3-5 years.
In many decent car dealerships, the processing of the bottom of the car, arches and inner surfaces of the doors is included in the mandatory pre-sale preparation. If such a procedure is not provided, the machine will need to be processed by yourself. To do this, you can contact specialized services that provide for the processing of the bottom of the car. Prices for such services depend on the type of materials used in the work.
You can also roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. It's up to you to choose. We will consider the latter option, but first let's figure out what this process is and what tools and materials will be needed for it.
Steps of anti-corrosion treatment
The process of anti-corrosion treatment includes three main steps:
- Preparing the body.
- Applying a protective layer inside hidden cavities.
- Processing the bottom of the car and arches.
At the first stage, the surfaces are cleaned of dirt and rust, after which they are washed with hot water supplied under pressure. At the same time, all elements of the body are washed without exception. The car is then allowed to dry completely. Often, a jet of hot air is used to speed up this procedure. After that, the car is lifted on a lift and inspected. All foci of corrosion on the bottom are removed with a metal brush and degreased. Next, the surfaces are coated with anti-corrosion primer.
The second stage can be started when the car is completely dry. Processing of hidden cavities involves blowing a special anti-corrosion substance into the side members, thresholds, pillars, boxes and doors. Rust is quite insidious, it can begin to appear from the inside. Blow out the solution under pressure with a special gun.
Processing the bottom of the car is the most important stage. The lower part of the body is most susceptible to various kinds of damage. This is water, and mud, and reagents, and gravel. The protective coating on the bottom is applied in two stages, and the second application is made after the first layer has completely dried.
How the bottom is processed
Processing of the bottom and arches of the car can be done with a variety of materials on different bases. Let's take a look at the most popularof them.
- Rubber-bitumen mastic is a universal tool for processing the bottom of a car and wheel arches. Excellent adhesion to metal, resistant to gravel and low temperatures. Will not warp or peel.
- Slate mastic - a solution to protect the bottom and outer surfaces of the arches. The mastic is based on bitumen, which forms a strong and elastic film on the treated surface.
- "Movil" is a popular and common mastic for processing the bottom of a car. It has excellent adhesive and moisture-displacing properties. Ideal for welding seams.
Protective tool "Anti-noise"
A material called "Antishum Prime" is very popular among car owners, which allows not only to protect the bottom of the car from corrosion, but also significantly limit the noise entering the cabin. It is made on the basis of purified white spirit, bitumen, synthetic resins, crumb rubber, anti-corrosion inhibitors with the addition of aluminum and zinc powder.
With the help of this tool, the bottom of the car can be processed. "Antishum Prime" received the most positive feedback, especially in terms of stability and high soundproofing characteristics. Processing with this tool is also carried out in several layers, resulting in an elastic and ultra-reliable coating with sound insulating properties.
Benefits of Anti-Noise Prime:
- long service life (3-5 years);
- high wear resistance;
- Provides high stone chip protection;
- significantly reduces noise levels;
- provides good thermal insulation.
Materials for processing arches
Slightly different materials are used for the arches.
- Bitumen-rubber mastic - protective mass for arches and internal surfaces.
- Anti-gravel - a means to protect areas most exposed to small stones flying out from under the wheels: arches, thresholds, etc. It is produced on a bitumen or rubber basis. The anti-gravel coating can even be painted in the desired color.
Car underbody treatment: prices
The cost of preparing a car and its anti-corrosion treatment directly depends on the materials used and the category (size) of your car. On average, the price for the entire complex, including washing, drying, mechanical preparation and application of a protective coating, incl. and in hidden cavities, ranges from 4 to 9 thousand rubles.
You can also perform element-by-element processing by selecting only the bottom, arches, sills or other parts of the body.
If you do not have the ability or desire to pay money for the work, you can easily make "anti-corrosion" yourself.
Means and tools for handmade bottom processing
Processing the bottom of the car with your own hands can also be done. This process involves the use of these tools:
- about 5 kg of mastic;
- 4 cansprotective agent (of your choice) for hidden cavities and hard-to-reach places;
- 2 paint brushes (wide and narrow) or special anti-corrosion coating gun with compressor;
- drill or grinder with rust removal attachments;
- solvent;
- protective gloves.
Starting processing
Processing requires the use of a lift, overpass or car pit, because most work is done from below.
Start with a thorough wash of the bottom and arches. When the machine is dry, we begin to prepare, cleaning out visible rust spots with the help of special nozzles for a drill or grinder.
Next, degrease the prepared surface with a solvent and let it dry. After that, carefully apply a protective coating with a gun or brushes, without missing a millimeter. We blow out all the hidden cavities of the bottom with a can. We wait until the applied layer dries (5-10 hours). Complete drying of the mastic will occur only after 2-3 days. Only after this period the car can be used again.
Helpful tips
- For work, use only proven products purchased at specialized outlets.
- Bottom treatment should only be done in a well-ventilated area.
- The temperature in the working room should not be below 10 oC.
- In no case should you applymastic in a thick layer - over time, under the influence of its weight, it will lag behind the metal.
- Avoid getting protective product on skin or eyes.
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