Underbody Coating
Underbody Coating:
Underbody coating is the application of Teflon or rubberized paint on the underneath components of the car. These coatings are provided to prevent the underbody parts from corrosion.
Cars underneath components generally 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.
Some inject rust proofing agents along with underbody coatings, which is a protective layer of wax or other coatings on corrosion-prone areas outside the vehicle. This layer is mainly applied to fenders, weld points, upper body panels, and tailgates.
Types of Underbody coatings:
- Wax based underbody coating.
- Bitumen based underbody coating.
- Diesel resistant underbody coating.
- Transparent underbody coating.
- Acrylic under body coating.
The above mentioned are the some of the types of underbody coatings used in automotive industries.
Underbody coatings are generally applied using the following methods:
- Spray.
- Electronic.
- Drip oil spray.
- Dripless oil spray.
- Spray
The spray is the most common method used. The spray consists of a tar-like substance that is applied to the undercarriage. It functions as a barrier for salt, moisture, and oxygen, which causes corrosion.
- Electronic
Removing the electrical current capacity of items underneath the vehicles is another method for applying to undercoat. A weak electric current circulates through the material, reducing the chances of rusting.
- Drip Oil Spray
If you want to do it yourself, then drip oil spray is the best option. This can be messy but incredibly effective at protecting the undercarriage. It covers every nook and corner of the chassis, forming a robust layer of protection.
It takes a long time to dry. In some cases, it drips around 48 hours to a week.
- Dripless Oil Spray
Waxy substance is applied to the body and undercarriage, forming a strong protective layer. It doesn’t take much time to dry; however, the layer can easily wear and tear than the other counter methods.
Underbody coatings protects underneath components, this is basically done by the coating solution which stops electrolyte from penetrating inside the metallic surface. Road salt, saltwater, and typical wastewater play the role of the electrolyte most of the time. Such undercoating products last for years. You might also get a lifetime warranty with some of them.
Pros:
Rust Prevention
Car manufacturers use thick paints and sealants for the underbody, but adding an underbody coat especially in coastal cities is useful. Salt water tends to corrode cars really badly.
On bad roads, flying stones and pebbles can chip off the original underbody coating and leave the metal exposed. Using an aftermarket underbody coating offer extra protection.
Sound insulation
The thicker underbody coatings used on cars also act as effective sound dampeners. They can reduce road noise and tyre noise and make the cabin seem quieter – due to the sound absorptive nature of rubberized paints.
Easy maintenance
A uniform black underbody coating gives a car a clean look. It also makes the car easier to maintain by just hosing the underside down. You can be confident that slush build up won’t lead to rusting easily. Most underbody coats these days come with a five-year warranty, which is the lifetime of such a coating.
Cons:
High cost
Cost of underbody coating has come down, but is still expensive. This is because underbody coating offered by a car dealer is one way in which they make money off the customer.
Risk of damage during application
Care must be taken while applying underbody coating. This thick rubberized paint if not applied properly, can 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.
Not long-lasting
Teflon coating does not last long enough. The effect can wear off in about six months’ time after which it will need to be redone or you have to switch to a hard-wax polish for the car. The benefits of a hard-wax too are not long-lasting, but can be re-done at a much lower cost.