Have 2006 with quite a lot of rust on undercarriage. Would it be advisable or not to have it undercoated? I think they call it ziebart?
Might it be too late, since the car is a 2006 and the rust is already there? Rust proofing or under coating in previously years was a big dealer add on (profit) item. I believe the newer factory painting techniques makes additional under coasting obsolete. Can't speak for northern climate areas.
Undercoating is NOT obsolete. The problem is that it was usually NEVER correctly applied. Undercoating is NOT rust proofing. For most, who keep their cars for only a few years, the factory anti-corrosion treatment is fine. Metal, especially steel, NEVER stops corroding. Just look at bridges with steel parts and steel rebar made of steel much thicker than car bodies and unibody frames. Bridges need constant anti-corrosion maintenance. Once rust has set in, the only way to keep it from rusting further is total disassembly of all components and complete removal of rust to the bare metal. Correct application of undercoating means that the car needs to be coated with rustproofing first, the rustproofing allowed to harden for two weeks or more, and then be undercoated. The military and industrial fleet operators use this method. Ziebart and other vendors cannot afford this method and make a profit. They just sell a "flash" treatment and an insurance policy. Correctly applied, undercoating provides good resistance to physical resistance to rust form stone chips to the underbody.
That wouldn't do much but to entrap the rust in the joints and pockets that are already there to rust from the inside.
Hi Mike, I just purchased a new 2015 Prius and added the 'Ziebart' diamond gloss, sound protection, and rust protection as well. I plan on keeping the car for 15-20 years or more. What would you recommend as far as rust protection for the car? Thanks, James
