When driving a car in the wintertime, many drivers experience stress. This is due to bad weather conditions and difficult road conditions. Driving in snowfall, on slippery roads does not allow you to relax. But the car itself is under no less stress in winter. The main problem is corrosion, which in cold and wet weather quickly damages the metal. Moreover, besides moisture and dirt, there are also chemical reagents, which are abundantly sprinkled/sprinkled on winter roads, especially in large cities. In what hidden places can rust appear?
Wheel arches and joints of lower door edges
So, first of all, you should check the wheel arches. This is where moisture, dirt and chemicals get in the first place. Also inspect the joints of the lower edges of the doors, which are also prone to corrosion at the end of the winter season. Rust is especially common in these areas on Japanese cars. Despite the fact that manufacturers from the Land of the Rising Sun boast about the durability of their cars, they are not insured against corrosion as a result of Russian winter conditions.
Sills and door handles
Pay attention to the thresholds. If you washed the car in winter, but did not dry these elements, you will probably find rust on them. Also inspect the backs of the door handles. They may also be covered with corrosion, if they originally had microscopic scratches, where the moisture subsequently got.
Cracks hidden from view
The closed sections of the car body are also subject to the risk of rusting. Pockets of corrosion are formed in the micro-cracks that arise as a result of mechanical impact and temperature changes. It is a “disease” of cars over 10 years old.
If rust spots have formed in the openings between the body and door hinges, the attachment points for fenders, bumpers and lights, they cannot be removed by any rust-converter. Corrosion in these areas occurs as a result of vibrations and friction cracking the paint layer. Moisture penetrates into the resulting cracks.
SUVs suffer from this most often. For them, rusted hinges on the exterior of the body are quite common.
The places of fastening of the body elements
In general, the potential risk area for corrosion can be any place where body parts are fastened. In the front of the car, especially where the bumper is mounted, the vibrations, vibration and impacts are stronger. All this leads to cracking of the coating and, as a consequence, to the formation of rust.
Drainage Channels
Drain pipes under windshields. Regularly remove dirt deposits from them, and treat them with special auto-chemicals. Rust may also form at the bolted connections. If there is a problem, contact your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for advice.
Floor mats in the passenger compartment
Moisture constantly accumulates under cabin mats. It is quite difficult to detect it there. To prevent these areas from rusting, dry the inside of the car. To do this, periodically turn on the air conditioning system at full power.
Corrosion in the hidden areas of the car is the case when it is easier to prevent than to fight later. So pay extra attention to your vehicle during the cold season. Periodically check hard-to-reach places for penetration of moisture and accumulation of mud deposits mixed with reagents.
It is better to do it after each trip and, of course, remove it at once. Do not be lazy to treat the above mentioned parts with special agents. Auto chemical products are your help!