Rust is a problem that may affect new and used vehicles alike. When rust develops, a car owner must take steps to address this issue as soon as possible, including DIY repair, prevention, and professional maintenance procedures. Failure to do so could trigger serious safety compromises with the structure of most cars.
Rust Compromises a Vehicle's Safety
The metal structure of the average automobile creates a safe framework that protects drivers as they drive. However, rust compromises this structure by attacking the integrity of the metal in unpredictable ways. For example, rust may work through the metal near the gas tank of a vehicle, puncturing the fuel line and causing gas to leak out when being refueled.
Even worse, damage to the structure of a vehicle compromises its ability to absorb impact damage properly. The structure of a car distributes a crash's shock force in such a way that the driver is only minimally impacted. However, rust-related compromises may cause early structural failure during an accident that increases the chance of severe injury.
Test Studies Showcase This Instability
Some car owners may find the safety issues that rust causes hard to believe. However, multiple studies have confirmed this danger. For example, a
studyfrom Swedish group Villaagarnas Riksforbund took two used vehicles suffering from rust — the Mazda 6 and the VW Golf — and gauged each in a crash test.
In this study, the airbag bottomed out in the Mazda 6 and caused the crash dummy to hit the steering wheel at full speed. Even worse, the weakened structure of the vehicle caused unexpected deformation in the car's structure, particularly along the floor. The rusty floor also caused objects to puncture the cabin and caused severe damage to the crash test dummy.
Early Rust Repairs Prevent Safety Concerns
The moment that a car owner notices rust on their vehicle, they must take steps to address this issue. For example, owners can buff away this rust with sandpaper or an abrasive scraping wheel. Once the car owner has removed the rust, the owner can paint over the scuff marks to protect the metal from moisture and keep rust from occurring there again.
Prevention is another powerful step, particularly when combined with repair techniques. Individuals need to regularly wash their vehicles — particularly during the winter — to remove dirt, salt, grime, and other contaminants that wear away the surface of a car and contribute to rust. Car wash regularity will vary depending on conditions such as where the driver lives and how they use their vehicle.
Professional Repair May Be Necessary
While DIY spot repair of rust keeps this issue from becoming severe, situations exist in which professional repair may be necessary. For example, unchecked rust spreads through the body of a car, particularly beneath the chassis, and may result in a higher risk of severe body damage. DIY repairs simply can't manage this danger in most situations.
Professional rust repair typically includes assessing issues with the body of the vehicle, removing instances of rust as they occur, and repairing or replacing damaged body parts. For example, a rusted front end may need new shocks or upgraded struts to avoid serious complications. Repair also works as a prevention method by removing rusted parts before this auto cancer spreads even further.
Auto Body Repair Helps With Rust Dangers
If you have an excessively rusty vehicle, please call or visit our office at
Automotive Super Sports
to set up an appointment with our repair specialists. Our experts will assess the problem, find a repair and preventative solution, and get a car back on the road — rust-free — as soon as possible.
