Underbody Coating

AIM:

Study the underbody coating used in automobile industries.

Objectives:

Study about underbody coating
Study about types of underbody coating and its advantages and disadvantages.

Procedure:

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.
The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts. Underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING:

Different types of underbody coating are: 

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.

Wax Based Underbody Coating :
This – 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.

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.

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

Advantages of Underbody coating : 

1. Undercoating gives an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion, protecting your car.
2. Undercoating will eventually wear out, but you can get years of protection from it. Even vehicles in warmer climates gain protection as debris is repelled and kept away from eating at the vehicle.
3. It can be self-applied.
4. It minimizes the sound from underneath the car.
5. It insulates the interior of the car from the extreme temperature from beneath the vehicle.
6. The coating does not chip away when hit by stones

Disadvantages of Underbody coating :

1. Undercoating will not help you if corrosion already exists and the corrosion needs to be removed first before it can be applied, which can be expensive for you.
2. It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for the best results
3. It adds weight to the vehicle.