Underbody Coating

AIM :-

To study about Underbody Coating used in automobile industries.

UNDERBODY COATING :-

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.

Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to 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.

TYPE OF UNDERBODY COATING :-

1. Rubberized Underbody Coating :-

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

2. Wax Based Underbody Coating :-

This is more or less ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a few months’ 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 Automotive Undercoating :-

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 Underbody 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.

PROCESS :-

• Clean the underbody. Start by cleaning the underbody of the vehicle.
• This requires you to put the vehicle up on a hoist.
• Using a degreaser, clean the underside of the vehicle.
• Next, remove all rust from the undercarriage using a grinder. Make sure to wear eye protection when doing so.
• Sand any remaining rust using sandpaper designed for metal. You need a sandpaper with a grit of at least 220 or larger.
• Wipe away all of the dust created from grinding and sanding.
• Paint and prime the underbody. After removing any rust, it is time to prime and paint the underside of the vehicle.
• Start by priming all of the areas you cleaned of rust. One of the best primer types to use is a high zinc primer. Allow the primer to dry.
• Your next step is to paint over the primer with black automotive paint. Allow the paint to dry.
• Undercoat the underbody. The last step in the process requires you to apply an undercoating to the underbody of your vehicle.
• Apply the undercoating liberally to the underbody of your vehicle. Make sure to apply it to every part that you expect to be exposed to the road. Allow this coat to dry for at least an hour, or longer if the instructions call for it.
• Apply a second coat of undercoating to the bottom of your vehicle. Allow this coat to dry overnight before driving on the road.

Hence our underbody coating is completed.

ADVANTAGES OF UNDERBODY COATING :-

• Corrosive Resistance :-  

It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if you live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things. You should also seriously consider undercoating if you reside in a place where it snows in winter.

• Decrease Noise :-

Believe it or not, very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets. The occupants of the car could spare themselves of the road noises – at least up to a certain extend.

• Increase car's life :-

Good undercoating not only defends the underbody from corrosion but also protects the engine and transmission as well! Less rusting coupled with slower wear and tear can surely add years to the lifespan of your vehicle. There would be fewer dents, dings and scratches on the undercarriage for you to fret about.

• Heat Insulation :-

 It insulates the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.

DISADVANTAGES OF UNDERBODY COATING :-

• It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.
• The best time to have an undercoating applied is when a vehicle is purchased new because it offers a superior level of protection then.
• Undercoating is costly.