Over the lifetime of a vehicle, rust is a veritable inevitability. If you let rust take over, it can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle — not to mention kill its luster. But there are actions you can take to be sure that rust is slow to grow and your Ford truck or SUV stays looking fresh for longer.
The simplest and most effective strategy against rust is the basic car wash. Thoroughly cleaning the exterior of your vehicle removes dirt and other harmful particles that can scratch the finish and make way for rust to form.
It’s important to make sure that your car washes also include cleaning the underside of the vehicle. This is especially important during and after the winter as road salt leaves residue on your vehicle. That residue can speed up the rust and corrosion process, and it can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s springs, suspension, and other critical components.
Over a long enough time, rust is almost certain to form on your vehicle. Make it a point to inspect your vehicle every so often, looking at common problem areas like the wheel wells, bumpers, and areas where sheet metal meet. If you spot rust there, you can take steps to stop it from spreading before the problem becomes worse.
If you feel comfortable, you can handle rust by scraping it off the vehicle and applying a rust arrestor or spray. Since this can leave an undesirable spot on your vehicle, you can apply primer and matching paint to help cover the spot up and prevent more rust from forming on the bare metal.
Packey Webb Ford is here to help answer your questions and take care of service and maintenance needs for your Ford Bronco, Explorer, and F-150. Schedule an appointment with our service center and we’ll get you back on the road in Downers Grove, Illinois.
