Underbody Coating
Underbody coating:
Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding (often based on rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile.
Why underbody coating?
In Indian road conditions, a 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:
Based on the material used as the coating material, underbody coating can be classified as below:
1. Rubberised underbody coating
2. Wax or paraffin based underbody coating
3. Asphalt based underbody coating
4. Polyurethane underbody coating
Rubberised underbody coating:
Rubberised underbody coating 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, in other words it application is very easy.
Wax or paraffin based underbody coating:
A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle. However, it will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be reapplied at least once every year.
Wax-based undercoatings 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 offer at least a base protection in moderately humid climates.
Asphalt based underbody coating:
Asphalt based underbody coating is the 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 major drawback of this coating is that the process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming.
Polyurethane based 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:
Rust prevention:
It has a crucial function in preventing corrosion. Underbody coating is particularly useful if the vehicle owner lives near the sea, where there is excessive humidity and rust is a common occurrence. If its somewhere where it snows in the winter, underbody coating should be seriously considered.
Noise Insulation:
The interesting fact about the underbody coating is that a very thick coating 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. Hence the underbody coating should be considered.
Chipping prevention:
Running on the highway or while pacing through a city road, vehicles will often encounter sharp gravel or any other unattended object hitting the underbody with high momentum. This scrapes and chips off the metal from down below. A thick layer of Underbody Coating definitely comes to aid and minimises the effects of such contacts on the body.
Disadvantanges of Underbody coating:
The high cost of the underbody coating is considered as its major disadvantage. But there is another disadvantage, the application should be done with atmost care. The coating might get into moving mechanical parts and cause premature failure-such as into the U-joint or CV joints in a cars propeller shaft or drive shafts. They can also hinder smooth movement of suspension components, if applied incorrectly. And there's also the risk of overspray on to the car's paint finish on the lower edges of the car.
Conclusion:
The underbody coating is useful in extending the vehicle's expected life. The application cost of underbody coating might be higher, but it is no where compared to replacing the vehicle due to corrosion and underbody damage. The resale value of the vehicle will also be higher. Hence, application of underbody coating should be considered for a prolonged life of the vehicle. The only thing to be considered is where the application is done, an experienced service center should be the best option.