Edmonton is one of the harshest environments for vehicles. Rainy springs, humidity one day, dry the next, country gravel roads and freezing winters with corrosive de-icing chemicals. It all shortens the average life span of a car.
Unless you’re lucky enough to winter in Arizona along with your vehicle, than you’ll probably want to read on about rust proofing and undercoating for the nasty weather that’s coming our way soon enough.
Edmonton uses a de-icing mixture that sticks to metal when wet. As your vehicle sits parked outside or in the garage, this mixture eventually dries into a powdery substance that permeates every inch of your vehicle. “Just run your car through a car wash in the spring and it’ll be fine”, they say. Don’t listen to “they”. It’s not fine. A car wash does not effectively wash the salty brine from every cranny.
Rust is the enemy of any vehicle made of steel.
If your vehicle is left unprotected, rust eventually wins the battle. And, once rust starts eating away, you can say farewell to resale value of your car.
What does a “High Salt” diet cause?
Put aside the environmental and infrastructure damage caused by road salt. The cost to car owners is massive.
According to J.D. Power and Associates, the average Canadian finances a $30,000 car over 62 months. At the time this loan has been paid off, the owner typically replaces the vehicle with a new car aka new loan because they can see damage starting to occur. The cycle continues. 62 months is a long time for rust to build up on a car. Close to 80% of untreated vehicles show signs of rust damage at the six year mark – just when the car buyer is looking to trade or sell.
Rust proofing and undercoating extends the vehicle’s life span to exceed the 13 year mark. That’s doubling the useful life of a car! No rust damage means the car stayed in the hands of the owner longer, saving the cost of a new loan. OR, if they still chose to sell the car, they’re a happier seller who got a higher resale value. Let’s not forget the potential car buyer who was just handed a used car with lots of life left in it. Win, win…win!
Modern cars are not immune.
Common myths are that today’s cars don’t rust at all or don’t rust like earlier cars – that they are better made and receive better corrosion protection from the factory. Not so fast. If this is the case, then why so many recent recalls and safety warnings involving rusted suspensions, frames and electronic components for late model Asian and North American produced cars? The recalls run into the millions and usually include Canadian drivers.
For almost 20 years, Toyota has infamously battled the corrosion war with some of its vehicles. In reports, customers have stated that vehicles were being operated in colder climates with high road salt usage (Hmm, sounds like Edmonton!) – and exhibited more-than-normal corrosion to the vehicle’s frame. Images of trucks literally breaking in half have been posted online.
At Ming Shine, we take the safety of your vehicle while preserving its value very seriously and recommend rust proofing and undercoating services to protect your car’s vulnerable frame, underbody and passengers.
The terms rust proofing and undercoating are sometimes used interchangeably but there are differences between them and these differences could have a profound effect on your vehicle. Both methods are excellent when applied by a professional like our Ming Shine experts.
Rust Proofing
A protective wax is sprayed over all parts of the vehicle that are exposed to the elements. Some parts of the interior of the vehicle get a good dose of rust proofing as well.
Anywhere that water can get trapped we use our unique wax-based rust proofing system to penetrate, sealing the internal joints and seams using an atomization process to effectively lock out moisture and oxygen to prevent rust.
Benefits of rustproofing:
- Bonds to all surfaces for lasting protection
- Preserves the life and value of your vehicle
- Penetrates existing rust to protect metal from further corrosion
- Transferable Lifetime Warranty
- Keeps moisture and oxygen out of car seams
- Protects rusting of electrical systems and components
- Corrosion resistant
- One-time application
Where is Ming Shine Rust Proof commonly applied?
- Hood frame and inner panels
- Front fenders and braces
- Trunk/Hatch lid and perimeter seams
- Quarter panels (Box for trucks)
- Rear wheel wells and seams
- Door panels
- Rear bumper (if metal)
Undercoating
An oil or wax based compound is sprayed onto the entire underbody of the vehicle penetrating all of those hard to reach areas where moisture likes to hang out and get into trouble.
Undercoating creates a layer of rust proofing which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Our customers also benefit from Ming Shine’s Undercoating Sound Deadener that cuts road noise and vibrations and can provide up to a 40% quieter and smoother ride. It insulates against extreme temperature conditions – cooler in summer, warmer in winter. Ming Shine’s undercoat is also self-healing, meaning it is crack and scratch-resistant.
Benefits of undercoating:
- Asphaltic gums seal moisture and road salt out as well as protect against airborne pollutants that attach to car body metals
- Expansive plastic resins provide toughness and adhesion
- Neoprene rubber provides elasticity
- Magnesium and zinc oxides give a galvanizing action in case of damage or rock bruising.
- Sound Deadener (Up to 40%)
- Self-Healing
- Transferable Lifetime Warranty
- Aesthetically looks better
- Corrosion resistant
- Prevents undercarriage denting
Areas Commonly Undercoated:
- Exposed floor
- Wheel wells
- Wheel lips
- Gas housing
- Frame (upon request)
- Weld joints
- Seams
- Inner box panels (trucks only)
Which one do you pick, rust proofing or undercoating? Why not both?
You don’t need to choose. In fact, the dual protection will only work in your favour. Ming Shine Rust Protection is a one-time application and will prolong the life of your vehicle. It has proven increased performance when also used with Ming’s Vehicle Undercoating. The underside of your vehicle, though seldom seen, is the most exposed to various elements of the road. If you want your vehicle to last and retain resale value, do both.
If the above information doesn’t have you quite convinced to get rust proofing and undercoating applied to your vehicle, then consider this: How do highway contractors prevent their fleet of salt spreaders from disintegrating into heaps of iron oxide? They apply oil based rust proofing annually. Why wouldn’t you to protect your investment? Contact us today and get a quote!
