Rust prevention systems
Until a few years ago rust was a major enemy of the motorist.
However modern vehicle design and the use of rust resisting materials
has significantly reduced the occurrence of major rust in later vehicles.
But while rust isn’t the problem it used to be, there are people operating vehicles in
adverse environments, for instance on or near the beach, who may be looking for
some added protection.
There are two common types of aftermarket rust preventative systems
available.
Application of a chemical barrier
One is based on the application of a chemical barrier to the vehicle’s panels and inside
body cavities. This effectively seals the metal against moisture and air that could start
a rust reaction.
This process has been in use for many years and is the one favoured by vehicle
manufacturers, with the majority of new vehicles having several kilograms of the
waxy material sprayed into them during manufacture.
Downside to aftermarket applications
• A minor downside of aftermarket applications is that the material can
have a slight odour that can take a few weeks to dissipate.
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• It is also necessary to drill holes in some inner panels in order to
introduce the spray, though these are closed with plastic plugs when
the process is completed.
• Additionally, excess material may drip from unsealed seams for a few
days after application and there will be some places, such as inner roof
panels, that cannot be treated due to restricted access.
When selecting a rust proofing provider look for operators that use products
complying with Australian Standard 2662.1 Corrosion inhibition (rust-proofing) - Motor
vehicles - product, and who apply the material in accordance with AS 2662.2 Corrosion
inhibition (rust-proofing) – Motor vehicles – treatment of vehicles.
Electronic rust preventatives
The other alternative is known collectively as electronic rust preventatives.
The makers of electronic systems give various explanations about how their products
work and why theirs is better than others, but all claim that the vehicle is protected
from rust by various electronic means.
Concerns
• A point that concerns at least one local vehicle manufacturer is the
claim that some devices send an electronic pulse through the vehicle.
The worry here is that such pulses could interfere with sensitive vehicle
electronics and there is particular concern about the effects such pulses
may have on the operation of vehicle safety systems such as Anti-lock
Brakes.
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• A major vehicle importer has also voiced concerns about the potential
for some systems to disrupt the operation of engine management
systems.
Anyone considering the purchase of such a device would be well advised to seek the
opinion of their vehicle’s manufacturer or distributor (not a dealer) about the possible
implications.
RACQ has not seen the results of any properly conducted, scientifically valid tests
that support the effectiveness of such devices and therefore can provide no further
information.
Warranties
When choosing a rust proofing system always ask for a copy of the warranty
document and look for any exclusions or conditions, such as regular inspections etc,
that must be complied with in order to maintain cover.
Chemical treatments may exclude certain areas of the vehicle body, such as inside
roof panels, from cover due to the inability to treat such areas without extensive
dismantling. But such exclusions need to be viewed in context, with the likelihood
of rust appearing in the excluded area being taken into account. Most rust problems
occur in lower panels.
Look for warranties that commit to repairing any rust that appears in the protected
areas. Warranties that simply offer to replace a faulty electronic unit or retreat
affected areas have little real value if the vehicle is already rusting.
Vehicle manufacturer rust perforation warranties will cover correction of rust areas,
however the addition of another coating or system may lead to a dispute about who
is responsible for correcting a problem.
RACQ provides Motoring and Travel services Queensland-wide and Insurance in Queensland & Northern New South Wales.
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