How to remove rust stains from a car body?
Rust is one of the biggest enemies of cars. It can pose a serious threat to the safety of drivers and passengers, so it is essential to remove it as soon as possible. Minor rust stains are relatively easy to remove, but if the problem is more severe, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Why does rust appear on the car's body?
Rust on a car typically appears in areas most exposed to water and salt, such as the lower parts of the body. These areas include the lower parts of the doors, sills, fenders, wheel arches, and other body and chassis components. Minor damages, such as stone impacts during driving, can also contribute to the formation of rust.
How to remove rust from the car body?
Minor rust stains can be removed using a special rust remover or by cleaning with coarse sandpaper and smoothing with a fine-grit sandpaper. Then, the surface should be degreased with mineral spirits, and a primer should be applied using a brush. Next, a base coat in the car's colour should be applied, followed by a clear coat. The cost of such a repair is minimal, but it should be pointed out that this method can only remove minor rust stains about the size of a coin.
If the rust problem is more severe, for example, if the car's sill is heavily affected, replacing a larger component or the entire sill is recommended. For this purpose, it would be best to purchase a sill repair panel or a full sill, depending on the rust location. After removing the damaged element, the repair panel should be welded into the car's body. A professional panel beater should carry out such a replacement, as it requires knowledge and experience.
Other repair panels available on the market include front and rear wheel arch repair panels, lower door repair panels, fender repair panels, inner wheel arch repair panels, or inner lower door repair panels.
Why is it worth getting rid of rust from the car body?
It is worth getting rid of rust because it damages the car's metal body. If rust is not removed, it can spread and cause severe structural damage. Removing rust prevents further corrosion and protects the car's body. Additionally, rust looks unsightly and decreases the value of the vehicle. Removing rust will contribute to a higher selling price if you are considering selling your car shortly.
It is also important to remember that the sooner we address rust removal, the cheaper the repair will be. Leaving rust spots for a longer period not only worsens driving safety because the car becomes more vulnerable to damage, but also allows rust to spread. When a larger surface area of the body requires repair, the cost of such repair will be higher.
Getting rid of rust from the car is essential both from an aesthetic and functional perspective. Regular maintenance and rust removal help keep the vehicle in good condition, providing long-lasting protection, a good appearance, and a relatively high market value.