Underbody Coating

• UNDERBODY COATING

Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding 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. This is because it can prevent further damages.

• PURPOSE OF UNDERBODY COATING

Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to cars underbody. It also protects part like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion. A cars underbody is exposed to most wear and tear caused by muddy water, potholed roads, stones and other obstacles on the road. Becaused its not in plain sight, we often do not see the damages of the underneath metal parts like suspension arms, muffler, brakes, axles, transmission etc.

UNDERBODY PARTS

• TYPES OF UNDERCOATING

1) Rubberized Underbody Coating-

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

2) WAX BASED UNDERBODY COATING -

Wax based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle. It will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year. Wax based undercoating never truly harden. During application, they drip flow into seams and cracks to provide protective properties. They are available in a spray gun canister or in an aerosol can and offer at least a base protection in moderately humid climates.

3) ASPHALT BASED UNDERCOATING -

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

4) POLYURETHANE UNDERBODY COATING -

This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offer good protection against the corrosion and also bonds with metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating. This type of vehicle undercoating is a little bit quicker and easier to apply. This type of car undercoating generally requires a little bit more surface prep work before applying - sanding and applying etching primer to bare metals before using are generally recommended.

• THE VEHICLE UNDERCOATING PROS

1) FIGHT RUST -

It plays an important role in keping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if we live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things.

The underbody coating also help in where it snow in winter.

2) ABSORBS NOISE -

A very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the undercoating is often made up of rubber is absorbs some of the rackets.

3) REINFORCEMENT -

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

4) PROLONG CARS LIFE -

Good undercoating is 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 surly add years to the lifespan of the vehicle.

• THE VEHICLE UNDERCOATING CONS

1) IT IS LESS HELPFUL IF CORROSION IS ALREADY PRESENT -

For an undercoating to be the most effective, it should be in place before the underbody of your car begins to rust. If you apply it over the corrosion, you will still isolate the metal from further moisture and airflow, which is good, but the existing oxidizing/rusting process will still continue to occur. If you have rust present, it is better to remove the rust and then apply the undercoating.

2) IT WORKS BEST ON NEW CARS -

If you've purchased a used vehicle, then the cost of preparing the underbody coating might be the more than the value of your car. You must remove all the residue from the bottom before it can be applied. Failing to do so will seal in the debris that is present already, which can lead to more problems. The best time to have an undercoating applied is when a vehicle is purchased new because it offers a superior level of protection then.

3) IT MUST BE REAPPLIED EVERY 3 TO 5 YEARS FOR THE BEST RESULT -

The only way for an undercoating to provide ongoing protection for your vehicle is to have the service repeated frequently. Most owners can have a new layer applied in about 5 years without worrying about their underbody being compromoised. In salty or destructive environments, however, you may need to have a new undercoating applied every 3 years for the best result.

4) AN UNDERCOATING IS NOT IMPERVIOUS TO DAMAGE -

An undercoating can provide a hardened layer of protection against dirt and debris that may cause corrosion.Depending on where you drive, however, the lifespan of this product may be minimal. If you drive your vehicle on gravel roads or dirty areas frequently, you reduce the integrity of the protective layer.