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In an attempt to sell me rust-proofing after I recently purchased a new Toyota RAV4, the salesman (rust protection for the car). Do I really need to do this again because a new car already has it? Mississauga, Ontario’s Flora
Have you ever wondered why there aren’t as many rusty old cars on the roads these days? Galvanized metal is now utilized to avoid rust, which is how modern cars differ from automobiles from the 1980s. Zinc is applied to the metal during galvanization to stop corrosion.
Therefore, why do retailers even offer extra rust protection? Galvanization suffices, right?
“Coated metal has the drawback of being somewhat susceptible to stone chipping. The majority of individuals, particularly in Canadian winters, drive through sand and stone-filled conditions, which can harm the paint and metallic coating and expose ferrous elements to corrosion. The area inside the wheel wells and just behind the wheels is the most vulnerable “According to Dr. Joseph McDermid, a mechanical engineering professor at McMaster University.
According to Toyota Canada, rust-inhibiting materials and coatings are used in the production of the RAV4 at Toyota’s plant in Woodstock, Ontario. On new vehicles, Toyota provides a 60-month, unlimited-kilometer corrosion perforation warranty. No matter how much you drive, your new RAV4 is guaranteed not to rust through for at least five years.
Toyota provides more details in the Owner’s Manual Supplement to help you safeguard your car against rust. These recommendations include touching up any stone chips or scratches in the paint as soon as they appear, repairing your car as soon as you can if it’s been damaged in an accident or by another factor that removes the paint and protective coating, and hosing off the undercarriage at least once a month, especially if you’ve driven on salty or dusty roads or in close proximity to the ocean.
Some dealerships provide supplementary rust protection packages on top of the manufacturer’s included corrosion protection system. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to well over a thousand dollars. From a protective coating sprayed on the vehicle’s undercarriage to full-body and interior packages with electronic corrosion prevention, they come in a variety of forms.
A metal block with an electrical connection that is placed under your car and acts as an electronic corrosion protection system will corrode in lieu of the metals there. Cathodic protection is a common corrosion prevention method that is applied to water and gas pipes.
“A very strong fundamental electrochemical foundation underpins cathodic protection. Although pretty clever, your automobile already has that. A cathodic protection method is the metallic coatings. Zinc, a metallic finish, will corrode before steel does. So all you’re doing is adding another metal piece to a system that already has plenty of metal to perform the same function “explains McDermid, who also holds a Chair in Zinc-Coated Advanced Steels from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, U.S. Steel Canada, and Xstrata Zinc.
“Offering further rust-proofing, in my opinion, is a little bit of a scary thing. However, I always advise having your wheel wells sprayed since those rubbery, rust-proofing coatings help shield the wheel wells from harm from stone-chipping. Mud flaps, in my opinion, are also a really wise purchase because they reduce the risk of stone chipping “McDermid explains.
Check this before you take any action because many auto manufacturers already have a rubberized coating inside the wheel wells. The region needs to be completely clean if you decide to use a spray-on undercoating.
Others who drive swear by oiling their cars’ undercarriages. However, oiling only lasts a short time; think of it as furniture polish. It requires repeated effort, much like any other maintenance. Once more, the car should be spotless. On the other hand, some mechanics and auto enthusiasts contend that an oily underbelly collects debris and moisture and can promote corrosion.
It should be noted that Toyota is unable to recommend any additional rust protection methods sold by dealers and is not liable for any issues that may develop as a result of their use.
With a new automobile, you can take advantage of the corrosion protection system that is already built into your car and the piece of mind that comes with an anti-perforation warranty. Keep your automobile spotless, and if you’re really concerned, give the region around your wheel wells a decent protection coating.
In This Article...
Do Toyota automobiles require rust prevention?
Q According to a Toyota mechanic friend, installing aftermarket rustproofing voids the Prius Hybrid warranty.
According to the claim, the procedure will coat electrical wire to hide high-tension cables.
A Toyota Canada Inc. representative Rebecca Wu responds:
This is due to the fact that they are constructed with careful design considerations, carefully chosen materials, and coatings to assist prevent corrosion.
Toyota would not be held liable if the use of aftermarket rustproofing was the direct cause of a problem with the car.
Our guarantee will cover flaws in workmanship or materials, but it will not cover problems brought on by elements other than manufacturing procedures.
The chemicals used may react with the insulating qualities of the hybrid system, including the wiring harness, connectors, parts, and associated objects that come into touch with rustproofing solutions.
The component’s insulation, functionality, and lifespan may all suffer as a result.
Hybrid vehicles also include parts that are prominently identified, such as the orange high voltage harnesses.
All high-voltage harnesses and electrical systems must be easily identifiable by service professionals and other personnel, such as emergency responders.
Any electrostatic charge that is induced through the ground side may have an impact and cause the hybrid system to malfunction.
In case the insulation on the primary power supply for the hybrid system is damaged, hybrid vehicles are equipped with this fail-safe.
Honda Canada’s public relations coordinator, Laura Heasman, responds:
In the warranty manuals for Honda vehicles, it is stated that damage caused by the use of aftermarket rustproofing products will prevent warranty repairs from being made.
Coverage is specifically denied “for any repairs required as a result of remodelling or changes done to accommodate or install any additions, attachments, parts, or equipment which have not been inspected and approved by Honda.”
Eric Lai continues
I sought comments on this matter from Tom Maher, a franchisee of Ziebart/Tidy Car in Scarborough, and Kelly Hughson, a Rust Check franchisee in Mississauga.
They responded by saying that the aftermarket rustproofing services provided by their individual parent firms (and significant countrywide chains in general) are secure, have a successful track record, and do not void the warranties of the car manufacturer.
Additionally, according to Hughson and Maher, they regularly receive head office memos outlining sensitive parts of new vehicles that may need particular care or that ought to be avoided altogether.
The seasoned rustproofers claimed that a large portion of their business comes directly from new car dealerships.
Others rely on aftermarket sources for the actual application, while other dealers supply and apply rustproofing internally.
Please be aware that neither the Toronto Star nor any of its publications promote or suggest any specific automobile goods or services.
Include your full name, address, and phone number as well as the vehicle’s year, make, model, VIN (vehicle identifying number), important dates, and dollar amounts. Letters may undergo editing.
Upper Body Protection (Body Panel Protection) – $999.00 plus taxes
- All brand-new Toyota vehicles receive a single application of an environmentally friendly silicone-based substance that is backed by a lifetime warrantyTM. This shield aids in preventing the rust that commonly develops around the wheel wells and rocker panels. This kind of rust develops on the inside of the car and then spreads to the outside.
Under Body Protection (Undercoating) – $999.00 plus taxes
- On all new Toyota cars, a single application of an environmentally friendly rubber-based substance is provided with a lifetime warrantyTM. This protection aids in preventing the kind of rust that develops on the vehicle’s frame.
Paint Protection – $899.00 plus taxes
- The vehicle is polished with a wax-based solution as part of this protection; this helps to toughen up the paint and lengthen the life of the new car shine. All brand-new Toyota cars come with a lifetime warrantyTM that covers yellowing of the paint and peeling of the clear coat, primarily but not exclusively brought on by tree sap and bird droppings.
Upholstery Protection – $699.00 plus taxes
- This shield serves as a fabric protector over the seats in your car to shield them from organic stains or keep bad odors from permeating the fabric. All brand-new Toyota cars come with a lifetime warrantyTM that covers this coverage against any organic stains or bad odors that might ever get on the interior fabric of your car.
Surface Rust Protection – $199.00 plus taxes
- This protection aids in preventing rust from developing on the outside of the vehicle, which often happens when the paint is chipped off by external forces. There is a 6-year warranty on this protection, and there is a 2 claim limit.
- The customer must also possess or purchase the Paint Protection Package in order to be eligible for this guarantee.
Rips, Tears and Burns coverage – $199.00 plus taxes
- This protection helps prevent rips, tears, and burns on the seats of your vehicle. There is a 6-year warranty on this protection, and there is a 2 claim limit.
- The buyer must also have or buy the Upholstery Protection Package in order to take advantage of this warranty.
Which car is most resistant to rust?
Top 10 automobiles that never rust
- Yaris, Sienna, Solara, Venza, RAV4, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Matrix, Prius, and Toyota Camry;
- B-Class and C-Class Mercedes-Benz;
- Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe, Entourage, Accent, Elantra, and Tuscon;
- Magentis, Optima, Rondo, Sedona, Spectra, and Sportage from Kia.
How can Toyota stop rusting?
Very few individuals, including my fellow Toyota vehicle owners, are aware of the power of rust. Even though we have some of the most durable and dependable cars on the planet, one mistake in a cold climate can ruin everything. The fact that these trucks are prone to rust is if they have a weakness at all.
Due to the usage of salt on the roads, your Toyota truck rusts. You may reduce the amount of time that salt has to corrode the metal on your car by doing your best to keep it clean during the winter. If you can’t resist leaving the salt on the surface, oil spraying will offer protection.
Those of us who were fortunate enough to grow up in Canada or the Northeastern United States were taught this lesson. The knowledge of what causes rust and how to prevent it has been passed down to us from generation to generation even though the bulk of us aren’t actually scientists.
Once you know what causes rust, protecting your car from corrosion isn’t that difficult. Some people mistakenly think that rust is caused by snow, although that isn’t exactly accurate. Yes, any kind of water or moisture can eventually lead to rust on bare metal, but this is true in any location and throughout any season. Road salt is the main factor in vehicle rust.
What Is Road Salt?
Cities, counties, provinces, and states utilize road salt to melt snow and ice off the roadways throughout the winter. In essence, it’s how the government tries to make driving conditions safer. It certainly accomplishes that, but it is also quite detrimental to our cars.
Similar to the table salt you use on your fries, road salt is formed of sodium chloride. As opposed to finely milled table salt, it has significantly bigger grains (like pebbles), hence the name “Rock Salt.” Although it is mined in a different way, we are discussing Toyotas today, not underground mining techniques.
Anytime they believe the weather has resulted in hazardous driving conditions during the winter, the city will dispatch snowplows and salt vehicles. It could be caused by a sudden temperature decrease, a strong snowstorm, freezing rain, or even just damp ground flash freezing.
They put a mountain of salt on the back of dump trucks and spread it all over the road. The snow or ice is then quickly melted by the salt by converting it into thick slush, and as the traffic grinds it up, the slush eventually turns to water.
Although this is tedious, if you’re unfamiliar with the environment, you’ll need to know this information. Knowing its uses and purposes will help you defend your setup against them. The section you came here for will now be covered. Here are some suggestions for preventing rust on your Toyota pickup.
Move to Arizona
I’m not entirely joking. Yes, I am aware that moving everywhere you go only to keep your car in good shape would be absurd. I don’t advise you to do it (although it sure is tempting sometimes).
What I’m really trying to say is that if you live in a northern environment, there’s no way to ensure that your car won’t rust. The only way to prevent that is to fully avoid using road salt. This is the reason we put our beloved motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks away for the winter.
After 27 years in Canada, my Toyota MR2 has zero rust. That’s just because it has never experienced a winter. I’m sure it would have been reduced to little more than a mound of dust by now if I had driven it all year.
The only way to guarantee that road salt won’t harm your car is to avoid it. I’ve seen every rust-prevention technique imaginable, and given enough time, road salt consistently prevails. A few decades may pass, but the most of the time it is a losing battle.
For the most part, we prize a car with a barely rusted undercarriage. It’s amusing to see people post pictures of trucks up for sale in forums or groups to get feedback on whether they should buy them or not.
Northeastern members regard an undercarriage to be “clean” if it has no holes but is covered in orange rust spots. Members of Southwestern would avoid it at all costs. The northeastern members believe it belongs in a museum whereas the southwestern members consider it typical provided the undercarriage is clean and black.
We can’t totally prevent the rusting of our cars and trucks due to road salt. What we can do is use some of the advice listed below to control how badly our car rusts.
Keep It Clean
I’ve found that keeping your Toyota truck as clean as you can at all times is the greatest method to stop rust from developing. Remove the salt as quickly as you can. Additionally, don’t just wash your paint.
Rust typically spreads from the inside out and from the bottom up. You must absolutely rinse the engine compartment, door jams, suspension, and undercarriage. These are all typical places where salt might conceal itself that we might not notice before it’s too late.
Think again if you believe the rust bubble on your car’s fender developed over the paint. It probably began deep inside your wheel well and moved outward until you could detect a paint bubble. People aren’t exaggerating when they call rust “cancer.” It does spread that quickly.
Because of this, having rust fixed by a body shop is very costly. To repair the tiny patch that is visible on the exterior, they must remove and replace a sizable portion of tainted metal. Rust has a mind of its own and enjoys to proliferate and grow invisibly.
If you can, it’s a good idea to start washing or even just rinsing out your Toyota truck after a winter drive. The moment the road salt touches your car, time begins to run out. Therefore, your chances of avoiding rust are increased the sooner you can clean it off.
It’s also important to note that your undercarriage might corrode from other corrosive substances besides just road salt. Even you Southerners know that mud can cause rust. The mud may be acidic or even include minute amounts of salt, depending on where you live. Additionally, it holds moisture, which eventually can result in corrosion.
So, folks, keep your setups tidy. Despite the fact that it makes you appear a city slicker. Your rig will at least remain intact, and replacing an undercarriage component won’t require you to remove every bolt.
Get It Oil Sprayed
This is another another excellent approach to improve your chances. Although oil spraying is very widespread in Canada, it is not nearly as well known there. When I discuss oil spraying or rust proofing online, a lot of people really ask me what I’m talking about.
The other day, I watched a video that described the “greatest approach to prevent rust on your car.” He essentially summed up my earlier advice to keep it clean and rinse the salt off. I’m not arguing against him because he’s entirely correct.
The problem is that this man drives a diesel pickup with a 6-inch raise. The thing is practically standing-height! Therefore, it is quite simple to just pull into a coin-operated vehicle wash and pressure wash your entire suspension and undercarriage.
What about those who drive cars or other small cars in general? You’ll have a hard time getting all the salt off beneath without first jacking it up. Heck, a nozzle hardly fits in the space between the fender and tire on most contemporary cars! Unfortunately, we have to accept that sometimes we might not be able to completely remove the salt.
This is when rust proofing and oil spraying are useful. In Canada, there are companies who specialize in spraying oil all over your vehicle’s underbelly in an effort to prevent rust. I’m not sure about the USA.
The vehicle is hoisted up, and then a thin layer of penetrating oil is sprayed into each crevice underneath using pressurized sprayers. They also spray your strut towers in the engine bay with oil and drill holes in your door jambs (at minimum).