Underbody Coating

Underbody Coating in BIW (Body in White)

cars underbody is most prone to corrosion. 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.

Types of Underbody Coating

1. RUBBERIZED UNDERCOATING

Rubberized undercoating is easy to apply, and generally offers the best protective coating for your car’s undercarriage.

2. ASPHALT-BASED UNDERCOATING

Asphalt-based undercoating offers a higher level of protection suitable for large trucks, recreational vehicles, and heavy machinery.

3. POLYURETHANE UNDERCOATING

Polyurethane coating is easy to apply and works by sealing up cracks and seams. The compound displaces salt and moisture and protects the unoxidized metal from rust.

4. WAX OR PARAFFIN-BASED UNDERCOATING

Wax or paraffin-based undercoating sprays are the cheapest and quickest options available. However, their results don’t last long, and you may have to apply a fresh coat after only a few months.

Pros

• 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.
• Protects against rust and corrosion: The primary objective of getting underbody coating done is preventing metal components that are exposed on the bottom side of the car to damage from corrosion. You can shut out the Adverse effects of corrosion on your car by simply applying a rubberised anti-rust coating all over the belly of your car

Cons

• 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.
• 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.
• A third-party undercoating service might void your vehicle’s warranty.
  Some new cars no longer need the undercoating service provided because the structure of the vehicle has it built-in already. If you hire a third-party provider to apply an undercoating, you could void the corrosion-perforation warranty that is factory-provided.
• 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.
• 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.