Is rust proofing for new cars necessary?

[Master]

I'm in Ontario. When I got my new Toyota, the dealer said that new cars are no longer needing rust proofing. However, APA suggests that I have crown rust proofing down every year.

I see some older cars on the road that has really good condition. I wonder if it is because of rust proofing. On the contrary, I also hear that the holes that they drill to rust proof may be a catalyst to rust itself.

Does it really make a difference, say in 6-10 years? Or is it a waste of money every year?

What do you do?

[gman]

I'm in Ontario. When I got my new Toyota, the dealer said that new cars are no longer needing rust proofing. However, APA suggests that I have crown rust proofing down every year.

I see some older cars on the road that has really good condition. I wonder if it is because of rust proofing. On the contrary, I also hear that the holes that they drill to rust proof may be a catalyst to rust itself.

Does it really make a difference, say in 6-10 years? Or is it a waste of money every year?

What do you do?

Waste of money and more important waste of time because you are supposed to send the car to check every year.

[TrevorK]

I can't comment on Ontario (Because of all the salt), but here in Alberta rust-proofing isn't needed.

However, I can't see how getting an undercoating (Not just that oil spray) would hurt - and would be much more permanent.

Also depends how long you keep the car - it shouldn't rust for awhile (if it does at all)...

[Master]

I can't comment on Ontario (Because of all the salt), but here in Alberta rust-proofing isn't needed.

However, I can't see how getting an undercoating (Not just that oil spray) would hurt - and would be much more permanent.

Also depends how long you keep the car - it shouldn't rust for awhile (if it does at all)...

Some says that the black undercoat will dry up and crack over time. Salt and water accumulates in the cracks and promotes rusting. However, I can't back that up with evidence myself.

Keeping a car for a long time means > 10 years?

[warpdrive]

I think it can help, but I don't do it myself. There are lots of things on the rest of the car that will still rust anyway regardless of rustproofing.

[Master]

Waste of money and more important waste of time because you are supposed to send the car to check every year.

I used to believe strongly on rust proofing. The more I hear about this, the more I believe that when I sell/trade in the car in 10 years time, I won't be any financially ahead if I rust proof every year.

[gman]

I used to believe strongly on rust proofing. The more I hear about this, the more I believe that when I sell/trade in the car in 10 years time, I won't be any financially ahead if I rust proof every year.

I don't mean you need to rust proof it every year. The warranty of the initial rust proof you bought requires you to send in the car to check it out every year.

[Master]

I don't mean you need to rust proof it every year. The warranty of the initial rust proof you bought requires you to send in the car to check it out every year.


So, you are rust proofing every 2-3 years then and thus voiding the warranty? I find wal-mart quite cheap, rather than Krown's yearly, costly, and warranty-full service.

I was thinking not to rust proof at all. At the end of 10 years, I might still able trade in the car for around the same price even with rust proofing.

[gman]

So, you are rust proofing every 2-3 years then and thus voiding the warranty? I find wal-mart quite cheap, rather than Krown's yearly, costly, and warranty-full service.

I was thinking not to rust proof at all. At the end of 10 years, I might still able trade in the car for around the same price even with rust proofing.

The rust proofing from the dealer gives you certain years of warranty for the rust proofing. They give you a certificate and instruction/coupons. You are supposed to send your car to the rust proofing place (not your dealership) to check it out and repatch if necessary every year. For my Honda, I was asked to go all the way to the west end just for the check up every year (I live in the East end). It was pain of the butt and I never actually did that because I basically needed to take a day off to do so.

I think Wal-mart is similiar.

[TrevorK]

Some says that the black undercoat will dry up and crack over time. Salt and water accumulates in the cracks and promotes rusting. However, I can't back that up with evidence myself.

Keeping a car for a long time means > 10 years?

Yeah - it would eventually do that.

However, on my 87 Z28 it has the black undercoating, and I've only had one spot where it's cracked....

[Kevin T]

Not sure what you guys are talking about.

I have purchased rust proofing (650 I think) for life-time coverage on the car. I am required to visit the home dealership every 2-year for inspection. There are no additional fees, the certificate only indicates a mandatory check every 2-years in order for the coverage to be valid.

[Jovi]

The thing is if your get your new car rustproofed and this involves drilling into the body you will void the manufacturers warranty.

Wait till the manu. warranty ends and then get it rustproffed.

[grant]

Obviously drilling is a bad idea :P

That said, if you know cars in your area are prone to undercarraige rusting, then i'd say go for it! The typical method is an application of thick oil or asphalt-like substance.

Of course, like everything else on your car, you have to maintain it regularly.

Here in vancouver there's no salt and hardly any snow so rustproofing is no use. But if you go into the mountains, all that snow & dirt will chew up your undercarriage in 10 years.

[plymouthhater]

I swear by Krown. They do an extremely thorough job of spraying the vehicle with a fluid that smells like WD40 including removing the tail light assemblies to spray in behind.

One of our family vehicles is a Ford Aerostar minivan - which has been Krown sprayed annually since new. It's 7 yrs old now and NOT A SPECK OF RUST - and Aerostars are notorious rust buckets (we've all seen them on the road with gaping holes in the rocker panels).

The cost of having a vehicle sprayed (depends if it's SUV/car/van etc) is approx $110. If you are a member of the APA you get $10 off.

It is my understanding that the automotive/consumer experts say that if you plan on keeping the vehicle longer than 5 or 6 years, it pays to rust proof.

[bluetroll]

it depends on what kind of car... i know german cars don't need it done.... but japanese cars they recommend it.... i would get it done either way... spend a few bucks and put it into your big investment.... it'll sure sell at a higher price when you have no rust on the car.

[cliff]

I would take APA (http://apa.ca) recommendations with a grain of salt, maybe even a tablespoon of it.

Nowhere on the site does it say who runs the association, except to say it's non-profit. No director's names but they charge a membership fee of $65/annum which seems like a lot if no one is running the organization or making money off of it. I wouldn't be surprized if whomever running it is an import car dealer, rustprofer, vin etcher etc.

For example look at the ratings of new car dealers, only chrysler, ford, gm and hyundai dealers were evaluated in ontario, even though mazda and toyota are linked, no results show for them. I would think honda, nissan and toyota dealerships would be essential for this type of evealuations as they are major players in the new car market.

The lack of diversity was similar in the other provences that I checked. The results were overall quite negative only 4 of 26 recieved positive reviews. 7 were catagorized as a pass. All of the reviews were done in 2000-02 so the info is out of date.

To me at least the apa seems to be a questionable "non-profit" organization at best.

[cipher]

Get a Saturn or a Corvette from GM if you're worried about rust.

[cliff]

on the topic of rust proofing now, I think it really has to do with how long you will keep your car. Less then 6-7 years don't bother. If you're going to keep it for longer then I would get/apply yourself a light oil drip.

The heavier sprays are a pain in the a$s if you work on your own car, I would much rather deal with some surface rust on non painted parts, then dirt+grime over everything.

FWIW currently in the driveway a 96 neon, 91 miata and a 91 caravan sold ealier this year all had no rust. The carvan (210k) was undercoated at the dealer the neon (185k) and miata (145k) were not and are doing fine.

[Kenneth]

It's an automotive thread so I might as well as my 2 cents :) .

Considering you have a Toyota and the dealership didn't offer you an undercoating and suggested that you don't need it. I'd say to not to get an 3rd party undercoating.

I'd usually suggest getting the undercoating done by the dealership; since most offer for a one time (exorbitant) fee lifetime warranty on body panels as long as you get it checked out yearly. But since you don't have this option i'd just not worry about.

As long as you clean your vehicle weekly during the winter you should be ok. Paying attention to the wheel wells, body panel crevices, doors, under-carriage, and any other place your manual suggest cleaning

The thing I don't trust about "rust-proofers" testimonies about there vehicles not being rusted because they had the service done (or on a yearly basis). Is that these are the same people who take care of there vehicle (ie. regular washing, waxing, etc.). So you never know if the the rust proofing service prevented rust or if was becasue of the good overall care of the vehicle.

I wanna see that gets rust proofed yearly and never gets washed for months on end. If a vehicle like that does exist; then i'd become a believer.

[Final Lazy]

I think in the end, rust has a lot to do with the quality of the metal on your car. The quality of the raw materials used and the smelting procedure really dictate how long your car is going to last. The Quality Control and the materials used between even the same family of ownerships such as Chysler and Mecedes-Benz or Ford and Volvo can differ. At the end, you get what you pay for.

As for rust roofing, it is not whether it actually rust or not, it is the warranty that you get. You are not really buying "rustroofing", but a promise from the dealership that they will not let your car rust.

[S14_Raven]

As for rust roofing, it is not whether it actually rust or not, it is the warranty that you get. You are not really buying "rustroofing", but a promise from the dealership that they will not let your car rust.

I'm not sure any dealership will promise that.

[akito925]

undercoat your car/van suv etc.

and take good care of your car.. wash your car once in a while also.. :D

[sn1tch]

Enjoy your "rust proofing" scam. While you're at it, would you like some price fixing to go along with it as well?

[Quiggie]

As long as you clean your vehicle weekly during the winter you should be ok. Paying attention to the wheel wells, body panel crevices, doors, under-carriage, and any other place your manual suggest cleaning
How are you supposed to do that in sub-zero weather? The water will freeze before you have a chance to wash the car.

[vipt2000]

Enjoy your "rust proofing" scam. While you're at it, would you like some price fixing to go along with it as well?

so what do you recommend for a person like me that wash the car monthly in the winter and every 1.5 to 2 months for other times? Can you guarantee that the car will not rust when the car is 5 years or older?

correction: I don't wash the car fully in the winter... I just sprayed water on the car to get rid of the salt.

[sannin]

How are you supposed to do that in sub-zero weather? The water will freeze before you have a chance to wash the car.

A garage would probably do the trick.

[morglum82]

My '98 tercel has a very solid floor.
One single hole in the rocker panel.
That's 11 winters in Quebec/Ontario.

There's no way the reselling price would have gone up by 11x (whatever the cost of rustproofing) if I had had it rustproofed.

[mwong168]

Has anyone ever heard or used a product called CounterAct for rust and corrosion protection? My co-worker just bought a brand new mini van and the dealer was trying really hard to push this on him.

[l69norm]

Has anyone ever heard or used a product called CounterAct for rust and corrosion protection? My co-worker just bought a brand new mini van and the dealer was trying really hard to push this on him.

Electronic rust protection doesn't work:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730532&highlight=electronic+rust+protection

http://www.krown.com/faqs/COMPARATIVE%20TESTING%20OF%20ELECTRONIC2.pdf

[Hood_Rep]

Enjoy your "rust proofing" scam. While you're at it, would you like some price fixing to go along with it as well?

+1

rust is a non-issue for vehicles post 1992 that are galvanized.

[Bomberman07]

+1

rust is a non-issue for vehicles post 1992 that are galvanized.

how comes my 1998 chevy cavalier starts rusting?

[QTheNukes]

how comes my 1998 chevy cavalier starts rusting?

non issue if you only keep it less than 3 years. I have seen some chrysler vans with rust after only 4 years.

[canoetrpr]

Krown works.

A co-worker and I both own 99 Accords and wash with about the same regularity - once a month or so.

He's got rust around the door panels, eating into the wheel wells big time.

I have ZERO rust anywhere. 300000 km and going strong.

Its not so much about resale value to me. Its about being able to drive a older vehicle that I have bought and maintained well for a few extra years at the tail end of its life. That is, being able to drive it without it looking like crap.

The BIG downside of Krown is that it drips. It really drips. I finally didn't do it this year because I got so sick of the dripping. It dripped all year last year.

Finally after seeing the condition of my co-worker's vehicle, I will go back and get Krown down on a regular basis.

I strongly suspect that you can more than get away with doing Krown only once every two years or so. You won't get their warranty - I don't care about warranties as I have no time to fight for it even it turns out I would need it. Not sure whether or not I might do this experiment with my new F150 that is on the way.

One way or another, I think is silly to think that rustproofing is not a problem when our roads are full of salt and snow (moisture) 6 months of the year.

Oh yeah - if I were planning to keep the vehicle 5-6 years, I would not bother. It is years 7+ where it really starts mattering.

[Patman22]

Rustproofing used to be necessary with cars of the past, but these days it's just a waste of money. Hondas used to be one of the worst cars for rust, but when we bought my wife's 2000 Civic we elected not to waste the money on rustproofing, as I had noticed that the Hondas built in the 90s didn't have as much rust as the earlier ones did. We made the right choice, because even though my wife's Civic is coming up on 10 years now, and over 162,000 km, there isn't a spot of rust on it. The key is to make sure you get the salted washed off the car frequently in the winter time.

Just think, if I had been getting a yearly oil based rustproof since new, I would've spent over $1000 by now! And even if the body starts rusting in a few years, by then we'll be ready to say goodbye to the car anyhow. (but my gut feeling tells me that if it hasn't rusted by now, it won't)

[Bomberman07]

+1

rust is a non-issue for vehicles post 1992 that are galvanized.


non issue if you only keep it less than 3 years. I have seen some chrysler vans with rust after only 4 years.

That not what the previous poster said. I don't think any car will rust in less than 3 years. If you're leasing for 3 years, why would you rust proof anyway? And why would you take great care of the car? If it breaks it's under warranty, if it doesn't well you give it back anyway.

[pshch]

so what do you recommend for a person like me that wash the car monthly in the winter and every 1.5 to 2 months for other times? Can you guarantee that the car will not rust when the car is 5 years or older?

correction: I don't wash the car fully in the winter... I just sprayed water on the car to get rid of the salt.

Salt does not cause the rusting, salt and water does. As long as temperature is below zero salt on the car won't hurt it. When you spray it with water you actually helping this salt to promote rust.

[pshch]

+1

rust is a non-issue for vehicles post 1992 that are galvanized.

They do but not as fast as non-galvanized

[tsxnation]

Who actually ends up keeping their vehicles for over 10 years? I rarely keep a car for more then 1-2 years. We rust proofed our civic every year by Krown (following an initial lifetime rustproofing from the dealer) and it is rusting to hell as of 3 years ago (purchased brand new in 95). Other civics rust approximately the same age (about 10 years). At most we got 1 year of use extra with no rust....Cost=at least $1500ish (probably higher) for all the Krown treatments and initial rust proofing.

I highly recommend NOT getting it done at Krown. I will never rust proof another car of mine again. Just a waste of money in my experience.

[vipt2000]

Salt does not cause the rusting, salt and water does. As long as temperature is below zero salt on the car won't hurt it. When you spray it with water you actually helping this salt to promote rust.

The temperature in Ottawa is flunctuated quite a bit. It can be at freezing point or + 1 or + 2 degree and negative 10 on the same date.

We are getting salt mix with water quite a bit in the winter time. That why we got a lot of potholes. Your theory might be right but it doesn't reflect with the real temperature in the winter.

[Mattones]

I just Krowned my Ram 1500 yesterday. $130 bucks

[KorruptioN]

it depends on what kind of car... i know german cars don't need it done.... but japanese cars they recommend it.... i would get it done either way... spend a few bucks and put it into your big investment.... it'll sure sell at a higher price when you have no rust on the car.

I don't agree with this generalization that German cars don't need rustproofing... all sheetmetal, galvanized or not, will be affected by corrosion.


+1

rust is a non-issue for vehicles post 1992 that are galvanized.

Have you not been on the roads at all? Lots of cars post-1992 are rotting out, making your claim completely baseless.

I use and recommend Krown. All you other people suggesting otherwise can enjoy your corrosion - because it can, and it will happen.

[Mattones]

I figure since i bought my truck new I plan to drive it till she dies or near dies. This i hope will be 10+ years from now. I figure i might as well take really good care of it as i hate to see rust.

[lucretius]

I'm in Ontario. When I got my new Toyota, the dealer said that new cars are no longer needing rust proofing. However, APA suggests that I have crown rust proofing down every year.

I see some older cars on the road that has really good condition. I wonder if it is because of rust proofing. On the contrary, I also hear that the holes that they drill to rust proof may be a catalyst to rust itself.

Does it really make a difference, say in 6-10 years? Or is it a waste of money every year?

What do you do?

1. Unless you're going to keep the car more than 7 years, save your money.
2. Never get rustproofing done through a dealership.
3. If you must get rust proofing, go with Krown.

[boyoflondon]

Anyone realize a noob dug up a 4 year old thread :?:

[JuNGleR72]

Anyone realize a noob dug up a 4 year old thread :?:


Does it matter if a "noob" dug up an old thread.. He needed advice and recycled an old thread, whats the big deal.

OP: go get Krown rustproofing, dealerships are a rip.

[Vladimir]

I was just about to agree with you. But then I looked at the person who dug it up and they did it just to be a troll.

[boyoflondon]

Does it matter if a "noob" dug up an old thread.. He needed advice and recycled an old thread, whats the big deal.

OP: go get Krown rustproofing, dealerships are a rip.


Look at his comment ... certainly does not sound like a person who was looking for advice ;)

[Rambo4]

it depends on what kind of car... i know german cars don't need it done.... but japanese cars they recommend it.... i would get it done either way... spend a few bucks and put it into your big investment.... it'll sure sell at a higher price when you have no rust on the car.

I don't know if it will garner you a higher price on a sale, but it will certainly keep you from getting lowballed if your car has no rust. Just sold a '03 Durango, and we had the rust proof from dealer, the thing looked mint, but everyone still looks at RedBook/Blackbook values. You won't get extra from that service, but you'll get optimal dollar for your vehicle.

[Stock R]

For what it's worth, my parents have an odyssey and a corolla that are 10 years old with no rust proofing. Neither have any rust except on areas were the paint was chipped (stones, accidental bumps). The wheel wells are rust free.

[ozzie8828]

Hi, I just bought a Toyota Sienna and the dealer was selling me the rustproof plan. I then emailed Toyota Canada for a comment. The following is the original text from Toyota Canada:

RE: Is Car Rustproof necessary for new car?
|
Each Toyota vehicle goes through an extensive rust inhibitor process, which starts with rust-resistant Excelite II steels coated with a zinc and iron alloy. These are used for both inner and outer body panels. The body is then fully dipped in a phosphate bath to make sure that even the most inaccessible areas resist rust. A special wax sealer is applied to the corners and crevices of the hood, doors, and trunk lid to help protect rust-prone areas. Finally, anti-ship paint is applied to the front edge of the hood, lower door panels, and rocker panels to help protect these areas from stone chips and other minor debris thrown from tires. The doors are also protected by lower door mouldings.

As Toyota Canada Inc. does not offer after market rust proofing, we cannot endorse its use. This does not mean that it will not be beneficial to your vehicle, it simply means that the decision is at your discretion.

Should the application of this product be the direct cause of a concern with your vehicle, Toyota would not be responsible. As you can certainly appreciate, the manufacturer's warranty will cover defects in material or workmanship and not difficulties arising from factors other than the manufacturing processes.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and allowing us the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,


Customer Interaction Centre
Toyota Canada Inc.