Each year, American drivers spend more than $3 billion repairing rust damage on their vehicles. The damage is often worst for drivers who live in cold, snowy climates.
Road salt used to fight snow and ice does collateral damage to vehicles, causing rust and corrosion that not only leave your vehicle looking shabby but also make it unsafe.
Undercoating for cars offers a solution that can help keep rust at bay. Continue reading to learn more about the types of undercoating for cars, how much it costs, how often to undercoat your car, and more.
What is Undercoating for a Car?
Undercoating for a car is a protective layer that's sprayed all over the undercarriage of your vehicle. This provides a rust-proof layer between exposed metal and salt, dirt and grime from the road. Since the undercoating protects metal from moisture and air, no rust can form.
Does Your Car Need Undercoating?
As a car owner, you probably think a lot about keeping your car in good condition, whether by following car care tips or detailing the interior regularly. But your vehicle's undercarriage might be out of sight, out of mind.
Yet, the underneath of your vehicle needs care and maintenance too. The undercarriage is exposed to dirt and road debris. That can trap moisture and oxygen, which leads to rust, which can form on exposed metal. The undercarriage is also close to road salt and road treatments that can accelerate corrosion.
Undercoating offers a measure of protection against these elements. That means you may be able to spend less on repairs and paint retouching, and maintain your vehicle's value over time.
That being said, car manufacturers now use more rust-resistant materials, like aluminum or plastic, rather than traditional steel, which rusts more easily. Since today's cars have built-in corrosion protection, you may decide that this extra treatment is unnecessary.
Undercoating vs. Rust Proofing
Rust is incredibly damaging to vehicles, so it's no surprise there's a variety of ways to combat corrosion. But there are two main aftermarket approaches that can help keep rust at bay.
- Rust proofing: Rust proofing, also called rust protection, involves protecting specific rust-prone areas of the vehicle by applying protective wax. Rust proofing is often done on the fenders, tailgate and body panels.
- Undercoating: This is a spray-on application that's applied to the underside of a vehicle. There are multiple options for materials used for undercoating (more on that below). Undercoating provides a more comprehensive protective layer for your vehicle.
You can choose both rust proofing and undercoating for your vehicle. But it's important to understand that these are two different treatments with different roles in protecting your vehicle from rust.
Types of Undercoating for Cars
The original way to undercoat your vehicle was to spray the undercarriage with used motor oil. Luckily, we've come a long way since then. These days, there are products designed specifically for undercoating. They use the same basic method as the tried-and-true oil technique, creating a barrier between metal and the air, moisture and salt that can cause it harm.
Here are the most common types of undercoating for cars.
| Material | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubberized | The most popular choice, a rubberized undercoating dries to a soft, rubber finish |
|
|
| Polyurethane sealant | Polyurethane sealant is sprayed on from canisters, resulting in a paint-like finish |
|
|
| Wax or paraffin-based | Wax or paraffin-based undercoats never entirely dry, but provide a moist barrier over exposed metal parts |
|
|
| Oil-based | Oil undercoating can be sprayed onto any surface, including one with rust, and offers widespread protection |
|
|
| Asphalt-based | Usually reserved for trucks and machinery, asphalt-based undercoating is a heavy-duty option |
|
|
How much does undercoating for cars cost?
Undercoating can quickly get expensive, especially when you consider that this is a service you'll need again and again over the life of your car. Here's what you can expect to pay for undercoating:
- At a dealership: $800-$1,000+
- At an auto body shop: Up to $300
- DIY: About $100 for cars to $150 for trucks and SUVs
While this cost can add up over time, undercoating could help spare you from more expensive rust-repair services or replacements for parts that have rusted through. The Synchrony Car CareTM credit card can be used to pay for undercoating this winter, so you can stay ahead of maintenance and begin fighting rust before it takes hold.
How long does undercoating for cars last?
If you live in a cold, snowy climate, near the ocean, or in other rust-prone areas, undercoating should be reapplied each year. Since road salt and de-icing treatments can make corrosion worse, it's best to undercoat your vehicle just before winter weather begins.
However, some undercoating options are designed to last longer. For example, rubber undercoating can last for years. Undercoating will also last longer in mild climates without snow or ice, or if you don't drive your car often.
Undercoating pros and cons
When you're deciding whether to undercoat your vehicle, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the vehicle new or used? New vehicles are better candidates for rubberized undercoating. However, many new cars may not need undercoating, since they're built with rust-resistant materials. Since rust doesn't generally appear for five years on most cars, it might not be worth undercoating a new car that you don't plan to keep. Older cars can see more benefit from undercoating, but any existing rust will need to be removed before the undercoating is applied.
- Do you live in a harsh climate? Road salt and de-icers commonly used in cold, snowy climates can accelerate corrosion. So can living near the salty ocean air and lots of exposure to dirt and debris. If you drive in a harsh climate or regularly take your vehicle off-roading or on dirt roads, undercoating offers an extra layer of protection that you might need.
Once you've answered those questions, it's time to weigh the pros and cons of undercoating.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Preventing Rust: More Tips
Undercoating and rust proofing aren't the only ways to protect your car from rust. In addition to considering these services, follow these steps to keep your vehicle from rusting:
- Wash your vehicle regularly, especially in the winter months. Make sure that the undercarriage is washed too.
- Avoiding driving during winter storms. Damaging road salt and de-icer are most concentrated immediately before, during and after storms.
- Touch up paint and repair dents. These small places where bare metal is exposed are particularly prone to rust.
- Give an end-of-season scrub. After winter weather is over, scrub your vehicle thoroughly.
Ready to protect your car this winter? The Synchrony Car CareTM credit card can help you pay for undercoating and other maintenance needs. No one likes a roadside emergency. Planning ahead to fight rust and keep your car running well can give you peace of mind this winter. Apply today.