Underbody Coating
REPORT ON UNDERBODY COATING AND ITS ROLE
Automotive under body coating is a protective coating applied underside of vehicles against the damage occurring by several factors like chemical water ,moisture and impact damage from small stones .It helps prolong the life of vehicle. It also protects parts like internal body panels, Frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.
All vehicles come with some degree of under body protection usually a thin film of paint or antirust from factory. Which is not effective in all atmospheric conditions all over the world this wears over some of the customers prefer after market under body coating.
Different types of Underbody Coating Methods:
Electronic Method:
Using a weak electric current, this method can stop the corroding effects of rust. This method is not as much preferred by car owners and drivers. The reviews on this method are mixed, as this is a virtually new technology.
Undercoating Method:
This method involves spraying a tar-based substance on the exposed parts of a vehicle’s underbody. This undercoating acts as a barrier once it hardens which keeps moisture, salt and other corrosion triggering substance out.
Dripless Oil Spray:
A wax-like substance sprayed to the entire body of the vehicle, it hardens once it has dried. This spray has a high viscosity which means that it does not get into all the nooks and corners of the undercarriage.
Drip Oil Spray:
Drip oil sprays tend to continue to drip once applied until they dry. This dripping can last anywhere up to 48 hours after application. This is the most commonly used undercoating method.
Advantages:
Minimizes Sound: It minimizes the sound from underneath the car resulting a noiseless, smooth driving experience.
Heat Insulation: It insulates the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.
Anti-chipping property: If any stone hits the coating it does not get chipped away hence protects the underbody from exposure to water.
Prevent water ingress: By covering cracks in the paintwork or joints in the undercarriage of a vehicle, moisture or water from humid or wet environments is prevented from creeping into the underbody and causing corrosion.
Easy maintenance:
A uniform under body coating gives a car a clean look. It also makes the car easier to maintain by just hosing the underside down. You can be confident that slush build up wont lead to rusting easily.
Disadvantages:
Adds weight to the vehicle:
The amount of weight added to a vehicle with an undercoating is minimal. When your vehicle weighs more, the distance you can travel on a single tank of fuel is reduced. The undercoating might reduce your efficiency, which creates an additional fuel cost over time that is worth considering.
Reapplied every 3 to 5 years for best results:
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 underbelly being compromised. In salty environments, We may need to have a new undercoating applied every 3 years for best results.
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