by kennethfsk

Created on: August 16, 2008

As a general rule these days you don't need to rust proof your new vehicle. The way cars, and trucks are built, and the metal used as well as the process they go through they are pretty well protected from the get go. Most of the manufacturers have long term protection in there warranties against rust. However, it is important to know what isn't covered by these warranties.

One good example of that is if you have a wreck with your car, and they are able to fix it at a body shop, this will nullify most warranties by the manufacturers. In this event I would have the body shop do it to your car while they are fixing it. I would also recommended it if you live in an area where they use a lot of salt on the roads during the winter months. I grew up in New England and have seen first hand how much damage salt can do. The salt can speed up the oxidation process, and cause your car to rust prematurely. I would also recommended it if you live in an area around the ocean with a lot of salt water in the air.

These are just recommendation I suggest because, other than the accident the warranty will cover any damage done. I just think a little preventive maintenance would be helpful especially if you plan to keep your car for a long time. I have been in the automotive business for 25 years now, and in the past 10 or 15 years I haven't seen a major problems with rust, not like it used to be in late 70's and early 80's anyway. A would say that the painting process of a car today is much more advanced than it ever was, and a lot of the protection comes within the paint, and the clear coat process.

Both the domestic, and the foreign automobile manufacturers have at least a 5 year or 100,000 mile warranty on rust. There are some that would have unlimited miles as well. The more expensive luxury cars come with even more protection like seven years unlimited millage. Surprisingly Mercedes-Benz has the least coverage with only a 4 year 50,000 mile rust warranty, and leading the pack would be Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW with 12 year unlimited mileage followed closely by Porsche with a 10 year unlimited warranty.

The big three domestics Ford, Chevy, and GMC offer 5 to 6 years, and 100,000, or unlimited mileage on theirs, and the big three imports Toyota, Honda, and Nissan offer about the same at 5 year unlimited miles. Specialty vehicles like the Hummer have a 7 year unlimited, and jaguar has a 6 year unlimited mileage warranty. Saturn another GMC product comes in strong with a 7 year 100,000 miles while Saab has a 10 year unlimited warranty.

So as you can see the majority of vehicles are covered for a least 5 years, so again if you like to keep them a long time you may want to consider under coating it just as added protection. After spending over half of my life around new, and used cars I feel confident that the old rust problems we used to have are a thing of the past. The information I just gave you is available on any of the manufacturers web site under warranties so if you have a specific question please refer to them.

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