Carmakers avoid designed-in moisture pockets, vulnerable panels are galvanized both sides, bodies are fully immersed in rustproofing chemicals, and many components are non-corroding plastic; all backed by a lengthy warranty. Do you really think a marijuana-buzzed high school dropout drilling holes in your new car, perforating the factory sealants, and spraying glop adds anything? I don't think so, and it may void the comprehensive factory corrosion warranty!
Auto dealers boost profit margins with rustproofing and other dubious products and services. Tell the salesman you do not want to buy a car that was inadequately rustproofed at the factory and watch his reaction.
So-called permanent waxy coatings cost about $750. Dirt, debris and dust collects in the areas targeted: chassis nooks and crannies, door pillars and inside doors. Wax coating dirt does nothing to protect the underlying metal. Annual dripless oil sprays at $125 are ineffective for similar reasons. Warranty compensation is difficult to collect.
Rubber or asphalt based $500 sound suppressant undercoating actually promotes corrosion.
Con artists sell $300 gizmos they say provide electronic car body rust protection, backed by a weasel clause filled warranty. Cathodic electrochemical corrosion prevention is valid for boats, pipelines and bridges where electrical continuity can be maintained through seawater or soil. The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) says the technique is not applicable to vehicles.
Spend your rustproofing money on frequent thorough car washes particularly during winter. Hose out the fender wells and the undercarriage to remove dirt and corrosive road salt. Regularly clean out body drain holes to prevent water from collecting. Scrape away collected mud so the underlying metal does not rust. Remove leaves and dirt. After washing take the car for a drive so trapped water sloshes out. Promptly remove bird droppings. Waxing may protect the paint from environmental hazards particularly if the car is not garaged.
