Underbody Coating

WHAT IS UNDERCOATING ?

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 year, its fine too. This is because it can prevent further damage of the undercarriage.

The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other expose metal parts . underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear . getting a fresh coat can cost you upto Rs 6000.

Undercoating can be applied as a liquid, typically sprayed or brushed on ,then allowed to dry . it helps to protect the axle, engine, brake system, transmission, exhaust and fuel systems, suspension parts, gas tank, floorboards.

PROCESS :-

1.Manual process where the person sprays the coat by lifting the vehicle to an appropriate height.

I)The car is hoisted on a lift and the under body is inspected for flaws

II)The under body is cleaned removing out the dirt and grease.

III)Critical components like silencer are covered in a film to avoid the coating from sticking to it.

IV)Rest of the under body is spray painted evenly.

V)The silencer film is removed and zinc coating is sprayed on it.

2.Another process is where the automobile frame is kept in a bath of liquid coat .the liquid is made to fall in a plent of amount and than the frame is allowed to get dry and the coat gets on the frame.

3.Nowadays this is performed by high speed robots that ensures a thorough coating on intricate positions.

TYPES OF UNDERCOATING :-

1. WAX or Paraffin-based Under coating :-

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 surface are protected
• The moist inexpensive undercoating option
• Conveniently available in spray guy canisters or aerosol cans

Disadvantages :-

• Wears off quicker in comparison to other type
• 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 :-

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  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 :-

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  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 resistance 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 Polyurethane under coatings, 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-resistance properties. Although asphalt-based undercoating is ideal for trucks, military and heavy machinery from the elements.

It last long and is best for endurance vehicles that have to undergo heavy road use.

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.
• Provide 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 condition. 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.

Advantages :-

• Thin-set, it takes a short time to dry.
• Can be done at home.

Disadvantages:-

• It requires frequent repetition as its not very durable
• It cannot repel ice and water like petroleum-based undercoating.

6.Petroleum-based Undercoating :-

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 automobile , trucks and other vehicles.

Advantages:-

• Has greater deflective abilities for road salts and grime
• Reppels ice and water because of its petroleum based

Disadvantages:-

• Requires annual replacement.

PROS OF UNDERCOATING:-

1. It provides a layer of protection against corrosion.
   When an undercoating is properly applied to a vehicle, then you’ll be providing the underbelly with a layer of protection against rust and corrosion. Instead of contacting the metal components of the vehicle, the debris encounters the undercoating, which then proactively repels the dangerous items away. Although an undercoating will eventually wear out, it can provide years of protection against premature corrosion.

2. It will extend the life of your vehicle.
   A proper undercoating extends the life of your vehicle because of its rust-stopping power. Corrosion does more than affect the integrity of the metals in your vehicle. It can get into your metal wires and cables, affecting any component which is comprised of steel or aluminum. Even your transmission and engine have exposure to rust when there isn’t a vehicle undercoating applied.

3. It can be applied to damaged areas.
   Over time, the underbelly of your vehicle is going to develop nicks, chips, and scratches because of the debris you encounter while driving. Unlike older forms of undercoating, which included the use of asphalt and animal fat, modern products provide a real layer of protection because it can morph into the various areas of small damage.

4. It can be self-applied.
   Rustproofing works best when you have this service professionally applied to your vehicle. If money is tight, however, and you have some basic car maintenance skills, then you can do the work yourself.

If this service is applied at the dealership, it may cost up to $1,500, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Some dealers include it in a package of services that are priced even higher. When you do the job yourself, then the cost can be less than $100 for cars and under rs 11900 for trucks and SUVs.

5. There are multiple undercoating methods that can be used.
   There are four different undercoating methods that are commonly used on vehicles that require this service. The electronic method is used when rust is present to stop its corrosive effect, which is a method that receives mixed reviews. A standard undercoating method applies a tar-like substance to the exposed components of the vehicle underbelly. A dripless oil spray applies a waxy substance that fills in the entire body of the vehicle, which hardens when it dries.

Then there is the drip-oil method, which may cause dripping for up to 48 hours when applied. From a cost perspective, it is this final option that is most often applied at the dealership.

6. It may help to reduce interior noise.
   When you’re driving, the sounds of the road can be soothing if they aren’t too loud. For lightweight vehicles, noise pollution can be overwhelming to the driver in some situations. Applying a layer of undercoating creates a barrier against the sound, which creates an interior that is quieter. After the service is performed, many drivers notice that audio levels are noticeably lower inside their vehicles.

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 underbelly of your car begins to rust. If you apply it over 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. After rust is already present, applying an undercoating will slow the continuation of the corrosion process and will make your vehicle look better… until the rust breaks its way through the layer of undercoating you’ve applied. 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 underbelly for an undercoating might be more than the value of the 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.Most vehicles make it five years before corrosion begins to show.
For vehicle owners who purchase something new every 3 to 5 years, then rustproofing may not be a good use of your cash. Although an undercoating does add value to a used car, that only applies when the rustproofing product used provides a transferrable lifetime warranty. Most vehicles that are on the road today are able to make it five years before any corrosion begins to show. It may be 7 to 10 years before the functionality of the vehicle is negatively impacted by the lack of an undercoating.

4. It adds weight to the vehicle.
   Although the amount of weight added to a vehicle with an undercoating is minimal (between 10 to 20 pounds for most vehicles), there is a small element of fuel economy to consider. When your vehicle weighs more, the distance you can travel on a single tank of fuel is reduced. The undercoating might reduce your efficiency by up to one mile per gallon, which creates a small additional fuel cost over time. Still, the effect on mileage of this additional weight is negligible compared to the effect a driver can have by the way they drive.

5. 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 are as frequently, you reduce the integrity of the protective layer.You might find that your undercoating begins to chip off in as little as 25,000 miles because of this issue. Driving in a salty environment is not the only threat to the integrity of this product.

6.It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for the best results.
The only way for an undercoating to provide on going 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 underbelly being compromised. In salty or destructive environments, however, you may need to have a new undercoating applied every 3 years for the best results.