Rust is the enemy of every vehicle. Luckily, auto painting services can help to correct rust issues. Ideally, the goal is to prevent rust from the roof. While auto painting can correct rust problems after the fact, you should do your best to prevent rust in the first place. Here are five things you can do to prevent rust on your vehicle.

1. Know How to Recognize Rust

When you own your vehicle, it's best to be able to recognize rust in the first place. In simple terms, rust is a chemical reaction. It occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and moisture in certain environmental conditions. Iron oxide (rust) is a form of deterioration that weakens the metal and can compromise the safety and structure of your vehicle. Since rust can have a large impact, preventing it is key.

1. Wash Frequently

Road debris and pollution can damage the paint on your vehicle and cause rust to settle in. This is especially true if you live in an area with snow and ice in winter. Ice and snow road treatments often contain salt. Salted roadways can damage your vehicle and allow rust to settle in.

A good rule of thumb is to wash your vehicle regularly to remove salt, debris, and pollutants. Use appropriate cleaning agents designed to protect your paint. Good washing maintenance is an easy way to keep rust away. Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated garage to boost rust protection.

2. Use Wax

Waxing your vehicle with a high-quality wax can add a layer of protection. Wax acts as a protective barrier that protects against salt, pollutants, and other corrosives. Using a good quality wax helps to protect your paint.

It is not only corrosives that wax prevents. It can protect against bird-dropping stains, tree tar staining, moisture, and other hazards. Waxing your vehicle will also bring out the beauty of the paint.

3. Fix Chips

Auto professionals can fix chips and other damages in your paint that may cause rust. Professional auto painting is an essential part of body maintenance. When the paint has chips or deep scratches, rust can easily access the metal underneath.

Have dents, dings, chips, and deep scratches professionally repaired to reduce the risk of rust. Rust can spread very quickly. It's best to work with a professional auto shop to avoid rust risks.

4. Adjust Driving

Another way to prevent rust on your vehicle is to adjust your driving habits. Avoid standing water, large puddles, and driving in snowy conditions. Excessive exposure to moisture can speed up the rust process.

While it can be impossible to avoid puddling and driving in the snow all the time, you should try to avoid these road hazard conditions. Consider an alternate route when you come to areas with excessive moisture conditions. If you have driven along a treated road, hose the undercarriage off immediately or bring your car into your local shop.

5. Apply a Ceramic Coat

Many auto painting shops offer ceramic coating services. A ceramic coat is a protective layer applied to your vehicle's body to help further protect it. This protective barrier protects against multiple parts of your vehicle.

Ceramic coating is a surefire way to prevent rust problems on your vehicle's body. It's an investment that comes with a high return. Similarly, ceramic coating can help protect against other damage like salt, sand, bugs, and UV rays.

Aside from ceramic coating, professionally applied coat protection and paint are also rust preventives available through auto painting professionals. Bringing your vehicle in for painting or touch-ups for areas like the bumper or scratches can not only cover discoloration or rust but also help give your car a fresh look.

Having your vehicle is nothing short of an investment. According to Drive Safely, most vehicles will require regular maintenance starting at 5,000 miles. Because of this, you should include a periodic body inspection at a local auto painting shop to protect your vehicle from rust and other general damage. Early interventions and prevention are the two best ways to ensure rust doesn't damage your vehicle.

If you suspect you have a rust problem, we're here to help at Vision Collision. Bring your vehicle into our shop and an experienced specialist will take a look. Don't hesitate to call us today to learn more.