Underbody Coating

UNDERBODY COATING

Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding (often based on rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile. It is normally sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean. But even if you are getting the undercoating applied after a couple of years, it’s fine too. This is because it can prevent further damage to the undercarriage.

The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts. Underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear.

Types of Undercoating

Now let us look at the various kinds of automotive underbody coating you can go for, for your vehicle.

1. Rubberized Underbody Coating
   

   This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating for your car. It preserves the underbody well, protecting it from scratches. Applying this to the undercarriage is not much of a hassle either.

2. Wax Based Underbody Coating
   

   This – more or less – ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a few months’ time. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option out there.

3. Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating
   

   Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles this provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings. However, asphalt-based coatings contain little amounts of rubber for sound-insulation purposes. The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming though.

4. Polyurethane Underbody Coating

   This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offers up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with the metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating.

   Different methods of undercoating

   1. Spray:

   The spray is the most common method used by dealers. The spray consists of tar-like substance that is applied to the undercarriage. It functions as a barrier for salt, moisture and oxygen which causes corrosion.

   2. Electronic:

   Removing the electrical current capacity of items underneath the vehicles is another method for applying to undercoat. A weak electric current circulates through the material, reducing the chances of rusting.

   3. Drip Oil Spray:

   This method is incredibly effective at protecting the undercarriage. It covers every nook and corner of the chassis, forming a robust layer of protection.

   4. Dripless Oil Spray:

   In this method waxy substance is applied to the body and undercarriage, forming a strong protective layer. However, the layer can easily wear and tear than the other counter methods.

Pros of Undercoating

Now we will tell you why you should consider investing in a vehicle underbody coating.

• Fights Rust
  

  It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if you live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things. You should also seriously consider undercoating if you reside in a place where it snows in winter.

• Protection of vital car components
  The car underneath holds vital components like the silencer, engine, and numerous other wires and small engine components for different purposes in the car. The car’s underneath cannot simply be led to corrosion and further damage due to the car being driven during any weather condition. To avoid further major issues, the antirust coating is a must for the underbody. This is again extremely important if you’re living in an all-year monsoon season or moderately high rainy regions as underbody coating is highly necessary for these situations.

• Reduces NVH(Noise Vibration Harshness) level

  Believe it or not, very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets. The occupants of the car could spare themselves of the road noises – at least up to a certain extend.

• Reinforcement
  

  If your car comes with stock underbody coating, using another coating on top of it, is not going to hurt. It will offer additional reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles. There would also be a lesser chance for the factory coat to flake away.

• Prolong Car’s Life
  

  

  

  Good undercoating not only defends the underbody from corrosion but also protects the engine and transmission as well! Less rusting coupled with slower wear and tear can surely add years to the lifespan of your vehicle. There would be fewer dents, dings and scratches on the undercarriage for you to fret about.

  
  

  Cons of underbody coating

  Despite having some great advantages, undercoating comes with some drawbacks that don’t help that many vehicles of certain conditions.

  1. Less Effective If Corrosion Already Exists

  Once there is rust underneath, vehicle undercoating won’t give you many effective results. Though the coating will be covering the damage that already took place, the rust inside will continue its job to lead to corrosion.

  Undercoating slows down the process, but you must remove the rust first before coating.

  2. Works Well on New Vehicles

  If your car is already old enough or you bought a used one, then undercoating wouldn’t be a good choice. As coating the underneath of a used or old car requires the removal of the entire residue, it will cost you more which is definitely not the best idea.

  So, it’s better to apply coating on new cars as they offer premium protection.

  For someone who changes his vehicle every 3 to 5 years, then vehicle undercoating is not a good use of your money. Because most new cars offer almost 5 years of default underneath protection that you can rely on.

  3. Not Impervious to Damage

  An undercoating doesn’t always mean protection for a fixed amount of time. Based on your road trips and the things you have to drive against, the lifespan of your coating can be minimal.

  If you are bound to drive on dirty areas, gravel roads, it can reduce the quality of this protective layer earlier than expected.

  4. Need to Reapply Every 3 to 5 Years

  For on-going protection, you need to make sure you are ready to invest in undercoating your vehicle every 3 to 5 years. Most users can ride their vehicles for 5 years without worrying much once the under part is coated.