Underbody Coating

AIM

To study underbody coating in automotive industry.

OBJECTIVE

• Write a one pager about underbody coating and its purpose.
• Write the types of underbody coating in detail and its pros and cons.

INTRODUCTION

                   figure 1. underbody coating 

Underbody coating :-

Underbody coating is a coating applied to the underside of a vehicle to protect it from rust corrosion  and abrasion. It covers most of the car’s underside , including floor boads, pans, gas tanks, wheel wells, frame and suspension parts, mufflers, and exhaust pipes. Doing this, may in fact help extend car’s life and utility. In gradients used in car undercoating include fiber glass, ceramics, rubber, silicone, asphalt, or petroleum. Each ingredient has different properties in terms of heat resistance, but all do offer the same level of protection against the elements of rust and corrosion. The undercoating can be applied before or after the vehicle is assembled.

      Underbody coating is important because it protects the underside of the vehicle from rust corrosion and abrasion. It also helps to insulate the vehicle from road noise and vibration. Under coating is typically from road noise and vibration. Under coating is typically applied by spraying or brushing. It can also be applied by dipping or rolling. The drawbacks to under coating  are that it can be difficult to remove if it is not applied properly and it can also trap moisture which can lead to rust and corrosion. Under coating is typically done when a car is new but can also be done to older cars. Usually done at a car dealership or an auto body shop. Under coating can help to increase the resale value of a car. Under coating  can last for several year but will eventually need to be reapplied and most new car have it applied at the dealership. Need to remove the old undercoating before reapplying.

 

                  figure 2. shows the after and before of underbody coating

TYPES OF UNDER COATING  

• Wax or paraffin – based under coating

A paraffin based under coating will be cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the under carriage of your vehicle. However keeping mind that it will wear off quicker than other types of under coating and will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year. Wax based under coating never truly harden. During application , they drip or flow into seams and cracks to provide protective properties. They are usually available in a spray gun, canister or in an aerosol can and often atleast a base protection in moderatel humid climates.

          figure 3. wax or paraffin undercoating 

• Rubberized undercoating

Rubberized vehicle under coating is easy to apply and offers sound- cushioning as well as protection from dust, moisture, and dings or dents. In addition to your under carriage, rubberized under coating is also safe to use on wheel wells and quarter panels, and dried to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seeps. The coating can be painted over and if necessary for body work, can be easily removed with an under coating removal spray. Overall, rubberized coating is generally the best option for protecting your vehicle’s under carriage, as it provides the simplest and best protective measures against rust and moisture.

        figure 4. rubberized undercoating 

• Polyurethane undercoating

The other option for under coating your vehicle is to use a poly urethane – based sealant. This type of vehicle under coating is a little bit quicker and easier to apply. Often times , polyurethane under coating will come in canister ready to preload into an application gun. This types of sealant works by seeping into all cracks and seams, displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal. It also sand quickly in case you will need to perform bodywork and can be printed over. On the flip side, this type of car under coating generally requires a little bit more surface prep work  before sanding and applying an etching primer to base metals before using are generally recommended.

             figure 5. polyurethane undercoating 

• Asphalt based undercoating

for standard vehicles, any of the aforementioned types of under coating will provide sufficient protection. For large trucks and heavy machinery, asphalt based undercoating provides a bit of extra durability against rocks, chips and moisture. Asphalt based undercoating generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that setup firmly and also helps soften noise. Generally sold in fine gallon containers, this type of undercoating also needs more cure time than the other three, and is not paintable, making it best to use only for under carriages.

               figure 6. asphalt based undercoating 

• Water based undercoating

Water based undercoating is a protective layer that helps your car stay protected from harsh weather conditions. It is made from an advanced polymer that is non toxic and environmentally friendly. This product can be applied to any surface including metal, plastic, rubber and glass. It will keep car protected from rust, salt, and moisture. This undercoating provides a protective barrier that lasts for only a year depending on driving condition.

               figure 7. water based undercoating 

• Petroleum based undercoating

Petroleum based undercoating is a heavy, viscous oil-based liquid product that provides an effective barrier against moisture and corrosion. The liquid dries and hardens to provide tough, durable and long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosion. This product is typically applied to the under carriage of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. It has greater deflective ability for road salts and grime and repels ice and water because of petroleum base. It requires annual replacement.

                  figure 8 . petroleum based undercoating 

PROS AND CONS OF UNDERCOATING  

               figure 9. pros and cons of undercoating 

• PROS OF A VEHICLE UNDER COATING

1) It provides a layer of protection aginst corrosion

Proper undercoating will provide the under belly with a layer of protection against rust and corrosion. Lnstead of contacting the metal components of the vehicle, the debris encounters the undercoating, which then proactively repels the dangerous items away. Although an under coating will eventually wear out, it can provide years  of protection against premature corrosion.

2­­) It will extend the life of your vehicle

A proper undercoating extends the life of your vehicle because of its rust stopping power. Corrosion does more than affect the integrity of the metals in your vehicle. It can get into  your metal wires and cables, affecting any component which is comprised of steel or aluminium. Ever your transmission and engine have exposure to rust when there isn’t a vehicle undercoating applied.

3)It can be applied to damaged areas

Over time, the underbelly of your vehicle is going to devolop nicks, chips, and scratches because of the debris you encounter while driving. Unlike older forms of undercoating, which included the use of asphalt and animal fat modern products provide a real layer of protection because it can morph into the various area of small damage. A modern undercoating is usually wax-based, which creates a living barrier that your vehicle can use to promote a self- healing experience.

4) It can be self applied  

Rustproofing works best when you have this service professional applied to your vehicle. If money is tight, however, and you have some basic car maintenance skills, then you can do the work yourself.

5) Ther are multiple undercoating methods that can be used

There ar four different undercoating methods that are commonly used on vehicles that require this service. The electronic method is used when rust is present to stop it’s corrosive effect. A standard undercoating method applies a tar like substance to the exposed components of the vehicle underbelly. A dripless oil spray applies a waxy substance that fills in the entire body of the vehicle, which hardens when it dries. Then there is the drip oil method, which hardens when it dries. Then there is the drip oil method, which may cause dripping for up to 48 hours when applied.

6) It may help to reduce interior noise  

When you are driving, the sounds of the road can be smoothing if they aren’t too loud. For light weight vehicles, noise pollution can be over whelming to the driver in some situations. Applying a layer of undercoating creates a barrier against the sound, which creates an interior that is quieter.

• CONS OF A VEHICLE UNDERCOATING

1)It is less helpful if corrosion is a already present

For an undercoating to the most effective, it should be in place before the under belly 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 oxidising /rusting process will still continue to occur. After rust is already present, applying an undercoating will slow the continuation of the corrosion process and will make your vehicle look better… until the rust breaks its way through the layer of under coating you have applied. If you have rust present, it is better to remove the rust and then apply the undercoating.

2)It adds weight to the vehicle  

Although the amount of weight added to a vehicle  with an understanding 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. The undercoating might reduce your efficiency by up to one mile per gallon, which creates a small additional fuel cost over time. Still, the effect on mileage of this additional weight is negligiblel compared to the effect a driver can have by the way they drive.

3)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. If you drive your vehicle on gravel roads or dirty areas frequently, you reduce the integrity of the protective layer.

4) It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for the 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 comprised. In salty or destructive environments, however, you may need to have a new undercoating applied every 3 years for the best results.

CONCLUSION

I have  studied about the underbody coating and its importants also its types and its pros and cons.