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How to prevent rot in older cars?
Hi. I'm currently driving a Fabia, but really would like to move into something older and more interesting, as well as simpler and easy to fix.
My problem is that with an older car, even as young as the late 90's, you get rust and rot failures on the MOT.
So, My question is, what are the best preventative steps you can take when your car HAS to live outside, all year round... And is there any way to stop rust getting worse, or at least slow it down, with out major panel work?
My problem is that with an older car, even as young as the late 90's, you get rust and rot failures on the MOT.
So, My question is, what are the best preventative steps you can take when your car HAS to live outside, all year round... And is there any way to stop rust getting worse, or at least slow it down, with out major panel work?
Asked on 5 April 2013 by RobDon
Answered by
Dan Harrison
If the car's of reasonable quality and not prone to rust through poor steel (Mercedes-Benz, I'm looking at you), there are plenty of things you can do to prevent the spread of grot.
1) Clean the car once a week.
2) Wax it with good quality Carnuba paste at least once every two months
3) Get it up on ramps at least annually and get it Waxoyl'd
4) If practical, and it's not a daily runner, invest in a permeable outdoor cover.
5) Deal with any stone chips immediately - if your car's not galvanised, these turn into rust blisters very quickly indeed.
When washing your car, always ensure you clean out any muck from the wheelarch area, around the sills, and especially from any drain holes, as if these get blocked, they are rust magnets...
1) Clean the car once a week.
2) Wax it with good quality Carnuba paste at least once every two months
3) Get it up on ramps at least annually and get it Waxoyl'd
4) If practical, and it's not a daily runner, invest in a permeable outdoor cover.
5) Deal with any stone chips immediately - if your car's not galvanised, these turn into rust blisters very quickly indeed.
When washing your car, always ensure you clean out any muck from the wheelarch area, around the sills, and especially from any drain holes, as if these get blocked, they are rust magnets...
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