what is rustproofing?

A vehicle's underside faces constant exposure to moisture, dirt, debris, grease, oil, road salts, and other harmful chemicals that contribute to corrosion. This corrosion can significantly impact a vehicle’s vulnerable components and, in severe cases, compromise its structural integrity. Without intervention, corrosion will continue to progress and worsen over time.

Many vehicles come with little to no underbody protection, leaving them susceptible to accelerated wear and tear, even during regular use. Effective underbody care begins with a thorough cleaning to remove contaminants, treating any existing corrosion, and ensuring the surface is completely dry before applying protective coatings. This meticulous process maximizes the coating’s durability and performance.

Read on to explore how the process works.

We offer a free consultation appointment where the vehicle will be lifted up on a ramp to assess the current vehicle underside condition, identifying areas showing signs of corrosion, wear or damage. Based on the condition and the ongoing use of the vehicle we will provide our recommendation for the necessary works and discuss the various coating options as well as providing a detailed quote for the works.

The consultation can be done while you wait on a pre-arranged appointment or via a video call or a recorded video and pictures if the vehicle is left with us to carry out the free consultation.

INITIAL INSPECTION

Dry Ice Clean

The vehicle is fully wrapped and sealed in protective sheeting to safeguard the bodywork. It is then raised using a 2-post lift, and the wheels, arch liners, engine covers, and undertrays are removed to allow access to the underbody and key components. Our underbody cleaning process uses dry ice blasting, ensuring a pristine surface for the protective coating without the use of water or steam.

Dry ice blasting is a highly effective and powerful cleaning method that is non-abrasive, water-free, chemical-free, residue-free, and environmentally friendly. It efficiently removes dirt, grime, oil, grease, surface contaminants, and old coatings without causing any damage to the vehicle, making it safe for nearly all surfaces.

The entire underside of the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned with dry ice blasting, followed by an engine bay clean from the top.

Remediation work is performed as needed and based on prior discussion. In most cases, surface corrosion can be effectively removed through intensive dry ice blasting. For deeper corrosion, additional methods such as needle gunning or grinding may be used.

A rust converter or inhibitor is applied to areas with corrosion or where treatment is required, allowing it to cure before the protective coating is applied.

For projects that need an extra finishing touch, we offer a color matching service to touch up any missing paint underneath the vehicle. This is typically only required for clear coating applications.

Rust remediation

Vehicle components such as exhaust, brakes, suspension, engine, gearbox and sensors are covered as necessary for the coating/s being applied. In some instances components can have different coating types or colours applied, and in most instances clients benefit from a stonechip coating within the arches.

The necessary number of coats of coating is applied as per manufacturers guidelines. The applied coating is allowed to cure. It is then inspected and if necessary touch ups are applied.

apply protective coatings

Maintenance and ongoing care is discussed and documented. An annual inspection is essential to inspect for signs of wear or damage and remedied as necessary. We recommend that after the winter months to wash the underbody thoroughly to remove any salt build up. We can provide a gentle dry ice clean or it could be cleaned with a suitable cleaner and a hose pipe rinse.

While underbody coatings protect against moisture, keeping the underbody clean of dirt, mud and debtors is essential. A quarterly clean with a suitable cleaner will ensure the coating remains intact and effective.