One of the true quiet killers of vehicles isn’t missing an oil change or overtaxing the system, it is rust. Rust is defined as “a reddish- or yellowish-brown flaky coating of iron oxide that is formed on iron or steel by oxidation, especially in the presence of moisture”. Although our vehicles are mostly able to take a bit of rain and other forms of precipitation, it will eventually start to slowly eat away at the vehicle that has been exposed. There is no real way to prevent your vehicle from becoming exposed to moisture, and if you need to use the vehicle there will be days where it is caught in the rain or other inclement weather. Generally, there will come a point where you will have to replace the area that has become rust filled or even replace the entire vehicle depending on where the rust is.
When rust develops on the side of a car or truck, it is unsightly. When it develops on the undercarriage, it is dangerous. Getting rust in an area that needs to move is a recipe for disaster and although it is often possible to repair it, it needs to be caught early. This is why washing and drying your entire vehicle is so important. While it may be a little more time consuming, it is important to remember that keeping your vehicle in perfect working order is more of an investment of time and money, as it is normally cheaper to do basic upkeep than it is to repair entire parts of the vehicle.
There are a few methods that you can use to help prevent rust or even reduce the speed at which it spreads once it has begun. Having a shield between the metal and the rain is a great start, so preventative care of your vehicle is one of the most important things that you can do. Things like wax or a rust-proof barrier can go a long way in keeping your vehicles like new for longer. If you notice rust, there are some ways to buff it out and coat it with a chemical which prevents it from spreading more.
Even though you want to avoid rust, you need to wash your vehicles. Using one of Neptune’s automated wash systems will ensure that you get an incredible clean without undue exposure to moisture. Check out our unique systems and see how much of a difference they can make!