Underbody Coating

Underbody Coating

Underbody refers to the belly of your car, the underside that sits closest to the road. In order to protect the vehicles unerbody from corrosion (rust) as well as small tear and wear from foriegn objects.

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.

It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion

Coming to the steps that are carried out in under body coating process are-

1. The car is hoisted on a lift and the underbody is inspected for flaws
2. The under body is cleaned removing out the dirt and grease
3. Critical components like silencer are covered in a film to avoid the coating from sticking to it
4. Rest of the under body is spray painted evenly.
5. The silencer film is removed and zinc coating is sprayed on it
6. Final inspection is done to look out for flaws
7. Done , the car is ready to leave the workshop.

For a proper under body coating there are various methods.

1. Manual process where the person sprays the coat by lifting the vehicle to an appropriate height. Nowadays this is performed by high speed robots that ensures a thorough coating on intricate positions.
2. Another process is where the automobile frame is kept in a bath of liquid coat. The liquid in made to fall in a plent of amount and than the frame is allowed to get dry and the coat gets set on the frame.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Underbody coating:

i) Rust Prevention: Underbody coating ideally should be applied when the car comes out new from the factory, when there are no dust particles present. This will result in a good adhesive coating to prevent rusting of the underbody surface and also extending the life of the parts. It becomes extremely important to apply this coating when the vehicle is to be driven close to coastal areas.

ii) Protection against debris: It is one of the primary reasons for applying an underbody coating. During its lifetime, a vehicle travels over debris the entire time, and this is especially true for Indian roads. These debris fly off from the tyres and hit the underbody, and can possibly damage the underbody components which can get expensive. By giving a sufficient coating the longevity of the sufrace can be increased.

iii) Sound reduction: Applying thick layers of covering can reduce the sound within the cabin upto a certain degree. Rubberized paint can reduce the noise from the tyres, the road and the debris.

iv)High cost: The cost of underbody coating has reduced over the years, but it is still expensive. The option of applying a coat at the dealership can get quite expensive, since dealerships will look forward to making profits and hence increasing the price for an underbody coating..

v)Added weight: Although insignificant, there is a possibility that the extra weight can affect the fuel economy of the vehicle.

Various types of Underbody coatings:

1. Wax or Paraffin-based Undercoating

It is the preferred undercarriage coating for cars often driven on highways and normal roads. Sometimes referred to as wax-based undercoating, it provides sufficient guard for cars in fairly moist regions.

Advantages:

• Readily flows into seams to guarantee any exposed and prone surfaces are protected
• The most inexpensive undercoating option
• Conveniently available in spray guy canisters or aerosol cans.

Disadvantages:

• Wears off quicker in comparison to other types
• Unlike the rubberized type, it does not really dry
• Needs to be stripped and reapplied at least once a year as soon as signs of wear and tear start to show

2. Rubberized Undercoating

Ideal for cars driven in rough terrain, as its name suggests, this undercarriage coating involves applying a rubber agent to the underbelly to protect and cushion it against dents, dust, and moisture. It can also be applied around wheel wells and quarter panels. Considered the best option for standard vehicles when it comes to the different types of undercoating.

Advantages:

• Easy to apply
• Quickly applied with no fuss
• Undercoat can be painted for a neat finish
• Provides satisfactory protection
• The simplest way to undercoat your car
• Safe to apply
• Truly dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seepage

3. Polyurethane Undercoating

Uses a polyurethane-based sealant that comes in canisters ready to be loaded into a spray gun and sprayed to guard the undercarriage of your vehicle. The polyurethane used in this product is a high-quality and durable material that is perfect for any weather condition. It is ideal for standard vehicles.

Advantages:

• It has a long lifespan and is resistant to wear and tear
• Easily and quickly applicable
• Trickles into cracks and rusty spots already present on the underbelly of your car and fills them, hence protecting the underlying metal
• Quick and simple to remove, as it sands easily
• Dislodges salt, moisture, and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidised metal
• Can be painted over

Disadvantages:

• For better adherence, needs undercarriage preparation before application
• Requires time-consuming etching with primer to bare metals

4. Asphalt-Based Undercoating

Unlike the rubberized, wax/paraffin-based, and Polyutherane undercoatings, this type is made of asphalt and generally also contains some rubberized material that sets up firmly and helps soften noise from the engine. It reportedly has the most damage-resistant properties. Although asphalt-based undercoating is ideal for trucks, military, and all-terrain vehicles, it will also help protect your car, truck, motorcycle, and heavy machinery from the elements.

Advantages:

• Formulated to protect from dirt, rust, and corrosion, it normally has a shelf life of up to two years. Sold in five-gallon containers
• Provides extra durability as it is the strongest and thickest undercoating available

Disadvantages:

• It takes time to harden and so requires more cure time than the other three types
• Unlike the other three, it is also, not paintable as such, not very aesthetically suitable for standard vehicles
• For best used only for the undercarriages of utility vehicles and trucks
• The only type of undercoating with a limited warranty

5. Water-based Undercoating.

Water-based undercoating is a protective layer that helps your car stay protected from harsh weather conditions. It is made from an advanced polymer that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.The product can be applied to any surface, including metal, plastic, rubber, and glass. It will keep your car protected from rust, salt, and moisture. This undercoating provides a protective barrier that lasts for only a year-depending on where you drive your car.