3 Big Mistakes Car Owners Make When Applying Rust Inhibitor Spray

Even though most vehicles will make it for years without showing signs of rust in most places, there are certain points of any car or truck that are more vulnerable to rust, such as the undercarriage or around the wheels in the fender wells. Keeping these areas protected can prevent future problems with corrosion that leads to breakage, chipping, and the exposure of vital working components. Rust inhibitor spray adds a layer of protection in these areas and is easy enough to apply without investing a lot of money. However, there are a few mistakes that you should avoid during the application process to get the most out of rust inhibitor spray. 

Mistake: Not removing chips and debris before applying the rust inhibitor spray. 

When you apply rust inhibitor spray, you should take quite a bit of time to appropriately prepare the surface of what you are treating--even though this can be a time consuming feat, especially if the surface you are treating is the underside of your vehicle. Using a scouring pad or dense scrub brush to remove loosened chips of metal and debris will help the application adhere better and ensure that the protection lasts as long as possible. 

Mistake: Assuming that low-quality rust-prevention spray is just as good as anything. 

You can find rust-prevention spray in the hardware department of just about any store. It is usually tucked right in with regular spray paints, spray clear coats, and similar products. Even though these inexpensive sprays boast rust prevention, they are not designed for use on vehicles and will hardly do any good at all. These spray products merely add a simple layer of clear coat that repels moisture, the coating is thin in composition, and will chip away easily in harsher circumstances. Make sure you use rust inhibitor spray that is designed for automotive use because it is always going to give you a better layer of protection. 

Mistake: Not applying a thick enough coat of spray during application. 

Rust inhibitor spray designed for automotive use is heavy, thick, and with just one application, you might assume that you have a substantial layer of protection. However, to achieve the best results, you should apply a heavy coat to your automobile, even if this takes several coats. Apply as much spray as possible without causing dripping during each application for the best results. For an added touch, you can finish off with a layer of colored-paint if you choose.