Understanding Types of Automotive Rust
Photo: The News Wheel
Rust can seem like a cosmetic issue, but if left unchecked, it can grow into a serious structural issue for your car. Here’s a guide to help you diagnose the damage on your vehicle and how you can fix it.
Surface rust
The damage caused by surface rust is largely superficial. However, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored since it can pave the way for greater damage. Fixing surface rust is similar to repairing paint damage. Popular Mechanics recommends taking some 50-grit sandpaper and using it to clear the rust and its surrounding area until only bright, shiny metal is visible. However, before you apply some paint and wrap up your project, it’s essential to coat the exposed metal with a few layers of rust converter or rust inhibitor. Once that layer has dried for at least half an hour, you can proceed with finishing the repair using primer, paint, and clearcoat.