Underbody Coating

ABOUT UNDERBODY COATING

 

Underbody coatings are those which are used to prevent car bodies against rust & corrosion. This underbody coating helps in protection from dust and moisture also some other factors such as poor road conditions, rocks getting thrown from tires and denting the metal and salt from water during monsoon which plays an important role in damaging the underbelly of a car.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING

 

Rubberized underbody coating:

 

                These coatings are easy to apply and offer sound-cushioning as well as protection from dust, moisture and dents. The coatings are safe even to use on wheel wells and quarter panels and when it is dried forms a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust and moisture seep.

 

Polyurethane underbody coating:

 

                This type of undercoating is a lit a bit quicker and easy to apply. This type of undercoating often comes in a canister ready to preload into application gun. This type of undercoating always requires surface preparations before applying.

 

Wax or paraffin-based underbody coating:

 

                Wax or paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available in the market. But these coatings last only for one year of duration.

 

 

Asphalt-based underbody coating:

 

                The above-mentioned undercoating is mainly used for light commercial vehicles. For vehicles such as trucks, buses, vans etc. asphalt-based undercoating is used for sufficient protection against rock chips and moisture. These asphalt-based undercoatings have a little bit of rubberised material that set up firmly and also helps in reduction in noise.

 

Purpose of underbody coating:

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.to  minimizes the sound from underneath the car.to insulates the interior of the car from the extreme temperature from beneath the vehicle.

 

PROS AND CONS OF UNDERBODYCOATING

 

1)Pros:

 

1. i) Rust Prevention: Underbody coating ideally should be applied when the car comes out new from the factory, when there are no dust particles present. This will result in a good adhesive coating to prevent rusting of the underbody surface and also extending the life of the parts.

 

1. ii) Protection against debris: It is one of the primary reasons for applying an underbody coating. During its lifetime, a vehicle travels over debris the entire time, and this is especially true for Indian roads. These debris fly off from the tyres and hit the underbody, and can possibly damage the underbody components which can get expensive. By giving a sufficient coating the longevity of the sufrace can be increased.

 

iii) Sound reduction:  Applying thick layers of covering can reduce the sound within the cabin upto a certain degree. Rubberized paint can reduce the noise from the tyres, the road and the debris.

 

1. iv) Easier maintenance of the vehicle: By giving a uniform coating, the underbody is well protected from moisture, which means that for cleaning the underbody water can be used. A good coating can ensure that water does not enter the components and start rusting prematurely. The coating also prevents retention of water within the parts, which can lead to creation of slush.

 

2)Cons:

 

i)High cost:  The cost of underbody coating has reduced over the years, but it is still expensive. The option of applying a coat at the dealership can get quite expensive, since dealerships will look forward to making profits and hence increasing the price for an underbody coating..

 

ii)Damage during application:  In case of thick rubberized paints, if the coating is not applied properly, then there is a possibility of the paint getting into moving parts and create mechanical failures. It can affect the differential, propeller shafts, joints and even the suspension. If not done carefully, there is also the possibilty of the coat damaging the paint job at the lower edges of the car.

 

iii)Added weight:  Although insignificant, there is a possibility that the extra weight can affect the fuel economy of the vehicle.