Rust inhibitor – Does it do anything?

[Don Holg]

I’m shopping for a used car. I’ve found a couple that have small rust spots on them. I live in place where rust kills cars (winter 8 months of year, salt on roads…etc.) But some of the cars claim to have rust inhibitor used on them. Does that stuff work at all?

Also, does Rocker Guard do the same thing? Does it provide any more protection?

Thanks

Topic

[Lorrin Barth]

The best rust protection comes from the factory. However, this runs in cycles. Buyers that see a lot of rusted out vehicles will start avoiding that brand. Once the buyers are back it is time to save money on rust protection. And so it goes.

For the DIYer there are products like the one below. The last time I bought a product like this I had to pay for a five gallon bucket. I used it all up over a period of years. I raised the car, masked off all the areas I didn’t want oily and used an old paint sprayer. Eye protection and a painters mask are also required. In other words, lots of work. This type of product will attract dirt if you frequent dirt or gravel roads.

I don’t know what rocker guard is.

http://www.belray.com/marine-rust-preventative-coating-0

[EricTheCarGuy]

If it’s already rusty forget about it. As they say, rust never sleeps. It’s often way more trouble than it’s worth to repair rust properly. I would just drive it till you can’t drive it anymore if the rust is just cosmetic. If it’s structural, then I would avoid that vehicle.

[Author]

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