Underbody Coating

UNDERBODY COATING

Underbody coating is a thick cladding placed uniformly to the car’s underside. When the automobile is fresh off the lot and spotless, it is usually sprayed or painted on. But it is also acceptable if it is applied after a couple of hears as it can provide additional protection. The coating thickness is at least 2-3 mm.

PURPOSE

• Protection against Rust and Corrosion - One of the primary purposes of underbody coating is to provide protection against corrosion for the exposed metal at the bottom side of the car.
• Reduces Noise, Vibrations & Harshness - The consistency of of the coating creates a layer that absorbs all the unpleasant noises and vibrations and also improves the driving experience.
• Prevents Paint Chipping - It provides protection against gravel or other substanceswhich could possibly hit the underbelly and cause damage.
• Protects Vital Components - Underneath a car there is a lot of parts of a car that are left exposed like the Engine, silencer, etc. Underbody coating provides protection against and corrosion and water damage.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING

• Rubberized Underbody Coating - Widely considered to be the best underbody coating. It is not difficult to apply and is available at a reasonable price. Ideal for keeping road noises to a minimum.
• Wax Based Underbody Coating - It is a cost effective substitute. It is resistant to dampness. Fades away after a few months.
• Asphalt Based Underbody Coating - Ideal for heavy vehicles like lorries, trucks, etc. It provides higher levels of protection. It cointains rubber for providing noise absorption. Time consuming application.
• Polyurethane Underbody Coating -This covering seals breaks and fractures in the vehicle’s underbody. It provides strong corrosion resistance and also binds to the metal. These can be painted over.

PROS

• Fights Rust - Cars that are near coastal areas or during rainy seasons or in general underbody coating can be highly advantageous in providing protection from corrosion
• Absorbs Noise - The rubber in these coatings absorbs noise and vibration of moving parts as well as external sounds to provide a quiet and pleasant ride.
• Reinforcement - Applying another layer on top of factory applied coating will not harm it. It will provide further protection for the underbody from water, road debris, gravel, and tiny stones. The factory coat would also have a lower risk of flaking away.
• Prolong Car's Life - The undercoat protects not just the underbody from corrosion, but also the engine and gearbox. Less corrosion combined with slower wear and tear can extend the life of your car by many years.

CONS

• It is less helpful if corrosion already present.
• It adds weight to the vehicle (5-10 kg).
• It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years
• It is not impervious to damage as it could degrade quickly depending on where it is driven