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Should I get those rust spots on my car fixed?
Trust Mizzoni's Auto Body for Professional Rust Spot Repair
A guide on how to repair rust, prevent rust spots, and more
At Mizzoni’s Auto Body, we understand that rust spots on your car can be a frustrating and potentially damaging issue. Rust not only mars the appearance of your car but also poses a threat to its structural integrity.
As professionals in the field, we’re here to guide you through the process of addressing rust spots effectively, ensuring your vehicle leaves our shop looking and performing its best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from understanding the causes of automotive rust to the step-by-step repair process, including how to prevent rust from coming back. We’ll also explain why it’s best to trust a professional body shop for rust spot repair.
Small rust spots generally are indicators of a deeper issue. If you leave surface and scale rust to develop, you might need to replace entire parts and body panels. Large-scale rust repairs become necessary when the metal has started to corrode completely through, which will eventually weaken the integrity of supporting structures enough that they may not be able to withstand a subsequent collision.
Why do Cars Rust? The Root Causes of Automotive Rust
To effectively tackle rust, it’s crucial to understand what causes it. Rust is the result of a complex chemical process primarily driven by three factors:
1. Iron Oxide (Rust):
Rust, scientifically known as iron oxide, is the visible product of the corrosion process. It forms when iron (present in steel) reacts with oxygen and moisture. This chemical reaction gradually weakens and deteriorates the metal.
2. Sheet Metal and Base Coat:
Automobiles are constructed with various types of metals, with sheet metal being one of the most common. Sheet metal is used for body panels, and it's especially prone to rust due to its exposure to the elements. The base coat of paint on your car acts as a barrier to protect the metal from moisture and oxygen.
3. Moisture and Oxygen:
Moisture, often in the form of rain, dew, or even humidity, plays a significant role in rust formation. Oxygen is readily available in the air, and when it combines with moisture and comes into contact with exposed metal, it triggers the corrosion process.
Now that you know what causes rust, let’s proceed with the step-by-step process of understanding rust damage and addressing rust spots.
What Type of Damage Can Car Rust Cause?
Rust is more than an eyesore, it’s a silent destroyer that eats away at your vehicle’s structure and safety. Even a small scratch can lead to widespread rust, especially when car paint fails to protect the metal underneath. Car owners should act quickly to prevent serious damage that can affect performance, safety, and resale value.
Exhaust System Damage
Rust can create holes in the muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust system. This reduces fuel efficiency and can allow deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the cabin.
Trunk and Hood Corrosion
Rust can eat through metal, leading to holes in the trunk or hood. This allows water to seep inside, causing mold, electrical damage, and further metal decay.
Engine Decay
Rust weakens engine components, including metal mounts, pistons, and valves. Over time, this can lead to serious mechanical failures.
Electrical System Issues
Corrosion can interfere with power windows, gauges, lights, and other essential electrical functions of your vehicle.
Structural Weakness and Leaks
Cracks in the underside of your vehicle can lead to oil and fuel leaks. Axles and other critical parts may also corrode, putting your daily driver at risk.
Major Loss in Resale Value
Rust damage significantly reduces a car’s resale value, costing car owners thousands of dollars when trading in or selling their vehicle.
Identifying Rust Spots: Where to Look
Surface rust or something worse?
Rust is notorious for hiding in inconspicuous places on your car. To effectively tackle rust, it’s essential to know where to look. Surface rust is usually a telltale sign of deeper issues. Here are some common areas to inspect for rust:
1. Wheel Wells
Start by examining the wheel wells and the surrounding areas. Moisture and debris can accumulate here, making it a prime location for rust to develop.
2. Rocker Panels
Rocker panels, located along the lower sides of your car, are highly susceptible to rust. They often get exposed to road salts and moisture, making them a rust-prone area.
3. Undercarriage
Don't forget to check the undercarriage of your car. Rust can start from the bottom, especially if you frequently drive on salted or gravel roads. Road salt, commonly used to prevent icy roads, is especially damaging to the metal underneath your car.
4. Body Panels
Inspect the body panels, including the doors, fenders, and trunk. Pay close attention to areas around the edges where moisture can accumulate.
5. Paint Bubbling
Paint bubbling is often an early sign of rust underneath the paint. If you notice bubbles or blisters on the surface, investigate further.
What We Recommend for Tackling Rust on Your Car:
It’s possible to tackle rust repair yourself. Sometimes it’s not within the budget to hire a professional body shop to do your repair work, and that’s ok.
Note, however, that the results will vary depending on your preparation and skill level, and may not be as high-quality as auto body shop rust repair jobs.
Before you touch rust repairs for your car, it’s important to gather all the right tools and materials. Here’s what we recommend:
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Safety Gear:
Safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to protect our team from rust particles and chemical fumes.
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Rust Converter:
This chemical solution is crucial for converting rust into a stable compound, preventing further corrosion, especially for penetrating rust.
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Wire Brush:
To remove loose rust, paint, and debris from the affected area.
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Sandpaper:
Various grits for sanding and smoothing the affected area. If you have rust stains on other areas, you can use a polishing compound to remove them. Always rub polishing compounds in a circular motion.
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Automotive Primer:
Automotive-grade primer for creating a stable base for paint.
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Automotive Paint Matching Your Car:
Custom-matched to your car's specific paint code for a seamless finish, especially necessary for cars with metallic paint..
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Paintbrushes and Paint Rollers:
For precise and even paint application. For smaller areas, you can use car spray paint.
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Body Filler:
Essential for filling in holes and uneven surfaces, commonly found on rusted body panels.
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Putty Knife or Spreader:
For applying body filler.
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Clear Coat:
To protect the repaired area and provide a glossy finish.
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Masking Tape and Painter's Tape:
To protect surrounding areas during paint and chemical application.
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Sanding Block or Sponge:
To achieve a smooth surface.
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Clean Cloth or Tack Cloth:
Used for wiping down the area between steps. Make sure you're using a lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth.
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Rust Repair Kit (Optional):
These kits often include various tools and materials for rust repair.
Step-by-Step Professional Rust Repair:
At Mizzoni’s Auto Body, our team follows a meticulous process to address rust spots effectively:
Step 1: Safety First
Safety is paramount. Our technicians wear safety goggles, gloves, and dust masks to protect themselves from rust particles and chemical fumes.
Step 2: Damage Assessment
We assess the rust spots to determine their extent, differentiating between surface rust and penetrating rust. This evaluation informs our repair strategy.
Step 3: Thorough Cleaning
We use wire brushes to remove loose rust, paint, and debris from the affected area, ensuring it’s clean and dry.
Often we use a car wash soap to ensure a particle clean surface.
Step 4: Applying Rust Converter
For penetrating rust, we apply a rust converter per the manufacturer’s instructions to halt further corrosion chemically.
Step 5: Precision Sanding - Down to the Bare metal
For surface rust removal, we gently sand away the rust until we reach bare metal. For penetrating rust, we sand the area after applying the rust converter to smooth it over and get all the small rust spots out. It’s absolutely critical to get down to the clean metal underneath before moving on to primer and paint.
There are times when there are large areas that cannot be salvaged. In that case, we will need to use an angle grinder to cut out the damaged body panel and make sure all the rust is completely removed.
Step 6: Automotive Primer Application
An automotive-grade primer is applied to the sanded area, creating a stable foundation for the paint and preventing future rusting. The primer must be dry before moving on to the painting process.
Step 7: Paint Matching
We custom-match the paint to your car’s specific paint code, even if it’s just a touch-up paint job, ensuring a perfect blend. Multiple coats may be applied, allowing each coat to dry between applications.
Step 8: Body Filler for Deeper Rust
For deep rust spots, we use body filler to fill holes and uneven surfaces, ensuring a seamless appearance. If you have a rust inhibitor that is safe to use with body filler, add this now, but otherwise, you can seal your work with a regular, high-quality primer.
Step 9: Protective Clear Coat
Once the paint is dry, we apply a clear coat to safeguard the repaired area and provide a glossy finish.
Step 10: Final Quality Checks
We remove masking tape and paper, and our technicians perform a final inspection. We ensure the repaired area is free from dust and debris.
Stop Rust As Early As you Can
We recommend addressing rust spots as early as you can spot them. The sooner you remove rust, the better. It will only get worse, so a proactive approach is the best approach when it comes to addressing a rusty area on your car.
Preventing Future Rust: Why Trust Professionals
While some may consider DIY rust spot repair, it’s essential to understand why trusting professionals like us at Mizzoni’s Auto Body is a smart choice:
Expertise:
Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in handling rust repairs, ensuring a thorough and effective job.
Quality Materials:
We use high-quality materials and the best quality automotive primer and paint to provide a lasting solution.
Preventing Further Damage:
Incorrect DIY attempts can worsen rust damage and lead to costlier repairs down the road.
Safety:
Dealing with rust involves chemicals and tools that require proper safety measures, which our professionals are well-equipped to handle.
At Mizzoni’s Auto Body, we’re not just about repairing rust; we’re dedicated to helping you prevent it from returning:
Regular Maintenance:
Keep your car clean to remove dirt and road salts that can accelerate rust formation.
Waxing and Protection:
Apply automotive wax and protective coatings to create a barrier from the elements.
Rust Inhibitors:
Consider rust inhibitors to add an extra layer of protection, especially for newer cars.
Address Paint Damage Promptly:
Repair any chips or scratches in your car’s paint promptly to prevent rust.
How to Prevent and Stop Rust on Your Car or Truck
Keeping rust at bay is easier than dealing with costly repairs. For example, a well-maintained paint job not only keeps your vehicle looking great but also protects against natural rusting. Car owners can take these steps to prevent rust from appearing on a vehicle:
Inspect Your Car Regularly
Check for scratches, dents, and chipped paint before rust can form.
Wash and Wax Every Month
Clean your vehicle at least once a month, paying special attention to wheel wells where dirt and moisture accumulate.
Check the Undercarriage Frequently
Road salt and chemicals can eat away at the undercarriage, especially in winter. Inspect brake lines and other hidden areas frequently.
Keep Water from Pooling on the Surface
Clean Bird Droppings Immediately
The acid in bird poop can break down car paint, leaving the metal exposed to rust, so clean any bird poop immediately.
Vacuum Carpets and Mats
Salt and moisture from footwear can transfer onto the rocker panel, accelerating rust.
Don’t Forget to Inspect These Vulnerable Areas Closely
- Near and under the sunroof
- Trims and molding
- Wheel wells and undercarriage
- Door edges and rocker panel (the base piece you see when opening the door)
- Where mirrors attach to the car’s body
Mizzoni’s Auto Body can conduct a thorough rust inspection on your vehicle for you. Rust on the surface often means hidden damage elsewhere. Getting your vehicle inspected at a good shop can stop corrosion early by replacing rusted areas with new metal, applying an anti-rust coating, and fixing dents or chipped paint. Stopping rust early prevents costly replacements of parts, like a new rocker panel, and ensures your daily driver stays in great shape. Get an estimate today and protect your vehicle for years to come.
Fix Rust Spots on Your Car
Rust spots on your car can be resolved with the right tools, materials, and expertise. At Mizzoni’s Auto Body, we take pride in delivering top-quality rust repair services and ensuring your car remains free from rust damage. Don’t let those rust spots linger; trust our professionals to restore your car’s appearance and structural integrity and to stop rust in its tracks.