It’s almost unavoidable: rust will begin to grow on your vehicle, truck, or SUV over the course of months and years. If left untreated, it will grow and proliferate, eventually destroying the finish, structural integrity, and more.
Rust can occur almost anywhere: on your vehicle’s painted surface, deep beneath its floor, within its body panels, or even totally concealed from view behind plastic trim and weather-stripping. When rust begins to form, it is difficult to stop and extremely invasive.
Fortunately, there are lots of products available to assist slow or stop the formation of rust in and on your vehicle. Several accessories are also available to help protect your vehicle and prevent rust from forming in the first place. Read on for the lowdown on rust prevention for whichever vehicle you drive, and keep in mind that not all rust protection treatments are made equal.
#1 Rust Converter Ultra
Brand: FDC
Rust Converter Ultra is a highly regarded, cost-effective, and simple-to-use solution to existing automobile rust issues. This surface conditioner, which is ideal for arresting existing rust or repairing and sealing frame rails, floor pans, and body panels on project vehicles, uses a chemical reaction to convert rust into a black polymeric coating.
Remove any existing rust scale from the area to be treated, leaving as clean and debris-free a surface as possible. The substance should then be applied with a brush or roller. When the coating has dried, it works as a primer and can be painted for further protection.
#2 CRC White Lithium Grease Spray
Brand: CRC
CRC White Lithium Grease Spray is an excellent product to keep in your garage or toolbox to grease hinges, latches, and other similar components on your car, truck, or SUV. An aerosol can contain high-purity lithium-based lubricants and oxidation inhibitors, and a needle tip enables precise application.
This type of rust inhibitor is commonly used on a regular basis to seal, lubricate and protect trunk and tailgate release latches, gears, tracks, power window slider components, throttle cables, rust-prone suspension mounting points, sunroof assemblies, and more. Lithium grease, which is typically used for spot application, is fairly expensive per unit, but the benefits are numerous: the product has a buttery, paste-like texture and is meant to stay in place without dripping or running.
The seal is watertight and corrosion-resistant, and the white tint makes it easy to see where it’s been applied. White Lithium Grease Spray is an excellent choice for strategic spot lubrication and rust prevention.
#3 WD-40 Specialist Long Term Corrosion Inhibitor
Brand: WD-40
The producers of WD-40 know a thing or two about dealing with rust, and this product includes a specific formulation version to aid in the prevention of rust formation and spread.
It is intended to cover metal parts with lubricant and rust protection, and it lasts up to two years when used indoors and one year when used outside. The unique mixture adheres to metal and keeps out moisture and air, all of which are required for rust to form.
A precise straw applicator is incorporated to reduce waste and overspray, and the liquid will not dry out or run over time. This WD-40 formulation is perfect for spot applications or pre-emptive usage on larger areas to prevent rust from forming.
#4 Dupli-Color Exact-Match Scratch Fix
Brand: Dupli-Color
The producers of WD-40 know a thing or two about dealing with rust, and this product includes a specific formulation version to aid in the prevention of rust formation and spread.
It is intended to cover metal parts with lubricant and rust protection, and it lasts up to two years when used indoors and one year when used outside. The unique mixture adheres to metal and keeps out moisture and air, all of which are required for rust to form.
A precise straw applicator is incorporated to reduce waste and overspray, and the liquid will not dry out or run over time. This WD-40 formulation is perfect for spot applications or pre-emptive usage on larger areas to prevent rust from forming.
#5 Fluid Film Protectant and Lubricant
Brand: Fluid Film
This highly rated product, available in value-sized one-gallon cans, is ideal for the DIY enthusiast who has a large rust-protection job to accomplish. You may want to use an air-compressor-driven spray gun for maximum results, while other people apply the product with a brush or roller.
Fluid Film is a popular brand, and its Protectant and Lubricant by the gallon is great for rapidly and easily covering big surfaces. According to user ratings, one gallon is roughly enough to coat the underbelly of a large pickup truck. It also lubricates hinges, chains, and cables and contains no solvents, so it will not harm paint or rubber parts.
#6 Electronic Rust Protection
Brand: Electronic Rust
Electronic rust protection works by passing an electrical current through the metal body of the car to interrupt the rust production process at the molecular level. Though the technique has been widely employed in maritime and subterranean tank applications for many years, its effectiveness in the automotive market has long been questioned.
Owner reviews of electronic rust protection solutions, in general, are mixed at best. Products like the Fin Corrosion Control module are discrete and easy to install.
#7 Evapo-Rust ER012 Super Safe Rust Remover
Brand: Evapo-Rust
Evapo-Rust Rust Remover is a water-based option that is harmless for the environment and will not harm plastic, PVC, or most paints. It is non-toxic and safe to use on home goods such as cast-iron cookware, barbecue grates, tools, and antiques since it is non-toxic.
Some customers have claimed that they had to soak their rusty metal in the solution for too long for it to be successful, but it’s also crucial to note that all oils, grease, or residue must be thoroughly wiped off for this product to function well. Wire-brushing the region is also advised. Allow Evapo-Rust to sit on the problem area for 24 to 48 hours before reapplying. Because it is reusable, the tool is also useful for soaking smaller items in a tub. Rinse