Underbody Coating
INTRODUTION :
Underbody coating is generally a dense cladding applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automoile. In Genral a cars underbody is most prone to corrosion. Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to car's underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panel, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion
The use of underbody coating plays a vital role in the service life of the vechicle. Usually such protective coatings are sprayed in the newly manufactured cars but due to heavy competition in car sales, Car producer have pressure to reduce the manufacturing cost,so that they reduce the use of underbody coating which reduces the service life of our car
There are many cars whoes surface looks glossy while the underbody is already rusting
PURPOSE OF UNDERBODY COATING
The main purpose of getting an underbody is to prevent rusting and corrosion of vital car components. The car underneath holds vital components like silencer, engine, numerous other wires and small engine components for different purpose in 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 furthur major issues, the antirust coating is a must for the underbody.
1.Reduces NVH(Noise Vibration Harshness level)
Being in a country where not all roads are smooth enough and are filled with potholes, stones, debris, and uneven road levelling, The underbody coating prevents and absorbs all noise created by the contact of the surface of the road and the car by minimising this.
2.Heat insulation
It insulate the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vechicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.
3.Anti-chipping property
Running on the highway or while pacing through a city road. You will often encounter sharp gravel or any other unattended object hitting the belly of your car with high momentum. This scrapes and chips off the metal from down below. A thick layer of underbody coating definitely comes to aid and minimises the effects of such contacts on the body
TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING
Now we are going to discuss about the types of underbody coating which you can go for your vechicle.
1.Rubberized Underbody Coating
- Rubberized vehicleundercoating is easy to apply and offer sound cushioning as well as protection from dust,moisture,and dings or dents.
- In addition to your undercarriage ,rubberized undercoating is also safe to use on wheel wells and quarter panels,and dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents furthur rust, damage, or moisture seeps. The coating can be painted over and, if necessary for bodywork, can be easily removed with an undercoating removal spray.
- Overall,Rubberized coating is generally the best option for protecting your vechicle''s undercarriage, As it prodives the simplest and best protective measure against the rust and moisture.
2.Wax Based Underbody Coating
- A wax based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of your vechicle. However, keep in mind that 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 really harden. During application, they drip or flow into seams and cracks to provide protactive properties. They are usually available in a spray gun canister or in a Aerosol can and offer atleast a base protection in moderately humid climates.
3.Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating
- For standard vechicle, any of the aforementioned types of undercoating will provide sufficient protection. For large truck and heavy machinery, asphalt based undercoating provides a bit of extra durability against rocks, chips and moisture.
- Asphalt-based undercoating generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up frimly and also helps soften noise. Generally sold in five gallon containers, This type of undercoating also need more cure time than the other three and is not paintable making it best to use only for undercarriage.
4.Polyurethane Underbody Coating
- The other option for undercoating your vechicle is to use a Polyurethane-based sealant. This type of undercoating is little bit quicker and easier to apply.
- Oftentimes polyurethane will come in canisters ready to pre-load into an application gun. This type of sealant works by seeping into all cracks and seems, Displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal. It also sands quickly incase you will need to perform body work and can be painted oveer.
- On the flipside, This type of car undercoating generally requires a little bit more surface prep work before applying -- Sanding and applying an etching primer to bare metals before using are generally recommended.
PROS AND CONS OF UNDERBODY COATING
1.Pros
The obvious pros of undercoating are the protection it provides to carriage of your vechicle. If you live in an area where salt and sand are used on the roadways in cold weather, These materials can be corrosive to your vechicle. Undercoating gives you an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion, Protecting your car. Undercoating will eventually wear out, But you can get years of protection from it. Even vechicles in warmer climate gains protection as debris is replaced and kept away from eatig at the vehicle.
2.Cons
Undercoating will work best on new vechicle that have not been exposed to road conditions. A used vechicle may already have residue on the bottom of the car or even have spots of rust and corrosion. Undercoating will not help if corrosion already exists and the corrosion need to be removed first before it can be applied, which can be expensive for you.