Underbody Coating

Report on under-body coating and its types

What is under-body coating and why is it done?

Under-body coating is usually a black, thick liquid that is sprayed on the underside or undercarriage of the car and is used to protect the metal from rust and corrosion, which would rapidly chip ordinary paint and cause damage.

Under-body 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 get the undercoating applied after a couple of years, it’s fine too. This is because it can prevent further damage to the undercarriage.

Under-body coating provides long-term protection from corrosion to the car’s underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails, and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion. A car’s underbody is exposed to the most wear and tear caused by muddy water, potholed roads, stones, and other obstacles on the road. Because it’s not in plain sight, we often do not see the damage.

In Indian road conditions, a car's underbody is most prone to corrosion. Underbody coating provides long-term protection from corrosion to the car’s underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails, and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.

There are several types of under-body coating available in the market. The commonly used types are mentioned below.

Types of Under-body coating

1. Rubberized Under-body Coating

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

2. Wax-Based Under-body Coating

Wax Underbody Coating Spray is a solvent-containing, bitumen-free anticorrosive agent based on wax, polymers, and anticorrosive additives. The product can be precise and exhibits excellent sag resistance. It is fast drying, and even in a thin layer thickness, it forms a closed water-protecting film. This method is more or less equal to ephemeral undercoating and will wear away in a few months of 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 Under-body coating

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 Under-body 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.

5. Petroleum based Under-body coating

Petroleum-based undercoating is a heavy, viscous oil-based liquid product that provides an effective barrier against moisture and corrosion. The liquid dries and hardens to provide tough, durable, and long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosion. This product is typically applied to the undercarriage of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.

Pros of Under-body coating

• It provides a layer of protection against corrosion
• Reduces NVH(Noise Vibration Harshness) levels
• Protect the car's underbody from chipping of paint
• Long lifespan and is resistant to wear and tear
• It extends the life of your vehicle
  

Cons of Under-body coating

• Risk of damage during application
• If the underbody is already rusted, the process becomes too lengthy
• It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for best results
• It adds weight to the vehicle
• Too expensive
• A third-party undercoating service might void your vehicle's warranty