There are few things that are worse for a car than rust. Not only is it unsightly, but if it’s left unchecked, it can eventually lead to irreparable structural damage. If you live close to our Honda dealership near Springfield, MO, the winter weather can be especially brutal on your car.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to stop rust from damaging your vehicle. Here’s how.
Keep Your Car Clean and Waxed
The simplest and easiest way to stop rust from forming is to wash your car regularly, especially in the wintertime, when moisture and road salt wreak the most havoc. Generally speaking, you should wash your car at least twice a month, and if you live in an area with harsh weather, you may want to consider washing weekly.
Applying wax to the vehicle can also go a long way toward protecting the exterior from the elements. The best practice is to wax your car every six months or so.
Keep Your Car Covered
Stowing your car away from the elements is another fantastic way to protect them from corrosion. Keeping the car in a garage is the best-case scenario, but there are still options if you don’t have access to a garage.
If your car doesn’t fit in your garage, or you simply don’t have one, you can buy a quality car cover. These durable covers are excellent for keeping your vehicle protected from snow, rain, and UV damage. Contact our parts department in Joplin, MO and we’ll help you find a cover that fits your exact Honda model.
If you’re looking for a slightly more permanent solution, you could also invest in a carport. While this may seem excessive, there are many relatively inexpensive carports available.
Fix Scratches Quickly
Automotive paint is formulated to prevent body rust. However, if you scratch or ding your car badly enough to remove the paint, the bare metal will be exposed, and this can cause rust to form very quickly.
It may be a bit of a pain, but if any metal surface of your car is blemished, you should have it fixed as immediately as possible.
Take Care of the Undercarriage
The underside of your car is perhaps the most vulnerable to rust damage. This is because it takes the most beating from moisture, rocks, road salt, and other damaging elements.
A thorough underbody washing should be part of any car wash, and it’s a good idea to pressure wash under the car any time you drive over particularly snowy or salt-laden roads.
You can also think about extra underbody protection, such as undercoating, which involves applying a special layer of material to the undercarriage. However, it’s unclear exactly how effective undercoating is, and it’s no replacement for regular washing.
Roper Honda—Serving the Four States Since 1973
Our dealership has been a destination for shoppers from Miami, OK to Neosho, MO for years, and our commitment to affordable financing and service is second to none. If you’re in the market for your next ride, contact us online or give us a call at (877) 747-0738. Don’t forget to ask about our awesome specials on Featured Inventory!