Underbody Coating

AIM:

To make a detailed report on underbody coating, its purpose, its types in detail and its pros and cons.

INTRODUCTION:

Underbody coating is a thick resilient coating applied to the underbody or chassis of an automobile to protect against impact damage from small stones, which would rapidly chip ordinary paint, allowing rusting to begin.

FIG: Process of underbody coating of a vehicle

PURPOSE OF UNDERBODY COATING:

Undercoating is mostly used to prevent corrosion, especially in exposed metal elements like frame rails and other body components. Additionally, underbody covering can lessen wear and strain. Up to 6,000 can be spent on a new coat.

FIG: 2 Purpose of underbody coating of a vehicle

Different Undercoating Types

1. Underbody Rubber Coating:

This is widely regarded as your car's best underbody coating. It keeps the underbody in good condition and guards against scratches. It's not difficult to apply this to the undercarriage either.

FIG: 3 Rubberized underbody coating for the vehicles

2. 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.

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.

FIG:4 Corrosion resistant underbody coating for the vehicles.

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.

Advantages of Undercoating:

Now we will tell you why you should consider investing in a vehicle underbody coating.

Fights Rust:

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.

FIG:4 Rusting of critical areas of the vehicle.

Absorbs 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.

Reinforcement:

If your car comes with stock underbody coating, using another coating on top of it, is not going to hurt. It will offer additional reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles. There would also be a lesser chance for the factory coat to flake away.

Prolong 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.

FIG: 5 Before and after undercoating figures of critical areas of the vehicle.

Disadvantages of Undercoating:

Costly:

Some of the underbody coatings are costly compared to their life's span.

Maintenance cost:

It adds up into the maintenance cost of a vehicle greatly.

Conclusion:

We studied the different types of underbody coating for automobiles, their types, their purpose, pros and cons used in an automotive industry