Cleaning The Outside And Checking For Rust

Cleaning The Outside And Checking For Rust

Cleaning the outside and checking for rust are very important if you want your car to look appealing. Moreover, it prevents your car from getting further damage and improves its longevity.

A rust spot on a car can spread over time when exposed to moisture and air. We know that it is highly difficult to keep cars away from these nature’s elements. Nonetheless, you can keep an eye on what is happening with the metal surfaces.

Hence, remove the rust spots and give your car a fresh coat of paint. This way, you can improve your car’s functioning as well.

Also, rust can sometimes be a sign of bigger problems underneath. Therefore, it is vital to take time out for cleaning the outside and checking for rust.

Cleaning the Outside and Checking for Rust

It is vital to clean your car regularly outside as well as inside. You can use soapy water to clean off the grime from your car’s bodywork. 

There are some things you can do for cleaning the outside and checking for rust efficiently. We have mentioned some tips below:

  • Use plenty of water so that you can clean the outside of the car thoroughly.
  • Never use a dry cloth to wipe it since it can scratch the paint and cause dirty marks.
  • Avoid washing the car when it is hot in the sunshine. That can lead to the formation of smears that be very unpleasant to see.
  • Ensure to shut all the windows and doors before you start with the washing.
  • Make sure to soak the car’s bodywork thoroughly before cleaning it with any carwash liquid.
  • It is always better to use cold water since warm or hot water can damage the paint coating.
  • It is better to use a garden hose for soaking the car since anything else will be highly time-consuming and laborious.
  • Always ensure to pick the right kind of car wash liquid. Moreover, they should not contain any chemicals that can cause damages to the paint or metal surface.
  • Do not forget to clean the roof area.

How to Seal the Bodywork?

Car bodyworks require sealing or waxing to ensure the paint does not peel off over time. Most modern cars are sealed perfectly by manufacturers. However, it is always better to make sure your car gets the best care.

Therefore, make sure to wax coat your car after the first three months of purchase. Although cleaning is absolutely necessary, the chemicals in the car washes can wear out the waxes or sealant eventually. However, some polymer sealers can stay intact for a longer period even if you wash the bodywork regularly. 

They contain silicones and extra additives that can stay on metal surfaces for a longer period. Also, they form bonds with the paint coating that is resistant to detergents.

You need to wash your car thoroughly before starting to the car surface. Then, you will have to leather the paintwork before leaving it to dry. If the paint is too dull and worn off because of usage, you can add a layer of a restorer.

Also, remember that you should not polish the bodywork in direct sunlight or when the bonnet is warm. It can lead to a sudden drying of the wax that gets stuck to the surface in a very unpleasant way.

Next up, apply the wax or sealant softly with a soft brush or a clean and dry cloth. You will have to work in small sections and gradually finish the entire surface. Also, keep a piece of cloth ready with you to remove accidental smears off the windscreens.

How to Check for Rust?

Numerous factors are responsible for rusting of metal surfaces on your car. It includes climate, usage, materials, driving environment as well as drive style.

Generally, three types of rust can affect your car’s metal surface. They are as follows.

  • Surface rust – It affects only the top layer, and it is the easiest to remove.
  • Scale rust – If you leave the surface rust for too long, it will become scale rust eventually.
  • Penetrating rust – It is the most damaging type of rust, and it may even lead to the removal of certain car body parts.

Common Locations for Rust

You must be aware that rust can occur in any part of the car. However, some parts are more vulnerable to rust than others. 

Therefore, these parts require more attention when cleaning the outside and checking for rust. They are listed below:

  • Suspension
  • Wheel wells
  • Frame rails
  • Exhaust parts
  • The floor of the boot
  • Around the windscreen
  • Doors

How to Touch in Chipped Paint?

Cleaning the outside and checking for rust will also help you find the spots that have paint chipped off. It can be because of rust, stones, or minor accidents. You can touch the area with a new layer of paint to immediately restore your car’s look.

Although this does not cause any damage to the functioning of the car, it can make your car look less appealing. Therefore, you can touch in chipped paint whenever you want with no need to hurry. You can even consider using a primer or a good rust converter.

Side sills behind front wheels, side sills behind back wheels, the edges of wheel arches are prone to paint chipping away. Hence, you will have to take extra care of these parts.

You can seal the spot with a dab of paint on a small brush. Alternatively, you can use a nail varnish as well. Touching in chipped paint will ensure no metal is left bare since bare metals are always prone to rust.

Final Words

It is important to keep your car clean. Whether you will keep it forever or sell it in a few months, it is better to keep your car clean. Additionally, a clean and rust-free car will definitely be worth more than one that looks old and rusted.

Hence, we advise you to take action as soon as possible every time you spot rusting or grime. Also, we hope you found this article on cleaning the outside and checking for rust helpful.

You can also purchase one of the best power washers for cars to keep yours in the best condition.

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