Underbody Coating
Aim :- To understand about the Underbody Coating in Automotive OEMs,its types,purpose along with its pros and cons associated.
Theory :-
- Underbody coating acts as a corrosion and rust resistance coating on the vehicles’ underneath and also protects it from small stones,dirt and mud to enter into other compartments.
- The thickness of the Underbody coating i.e.,Dry film Thickness is measured using the Elcometer while the material composition can be analysed by NITON XLT
- Underbody coating covers Front Floor,Rear Floor and Side Floor and its extension members which nearly covers all the major areas.
- Different standards had been maintained by different OEMs as per the budget,target market and the segment of the car.
Types of Underbody Coating :-
- Rubberised Underbody Coating :-
- This coating preserves the body well,protecting it from scratches.
- Applying this is not much of a hassle either.
- Regarded as one of the most affordable options out there.
- Asphalt based Automotive Undercoating :-
- It is suited for trucks,carriages and large vehicles compared to rubber coatings.
- It even consists of slight amount of rubber for reducing NVH levels.
- Time consuming process.
- No further paint coating is allowed onto this.
- Wax based Underbody Coating :-
- This ephemeral undercoating will go away in few months.
- High moisture resistance.
- Polyurethane Underbody Coating :-
- Used for closing splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle.
- Offers good protection against corrosion and also bonds up well with the metal.
- An additional paint coating can also be applied to PUR coatings.
Advantages of Underbody Coating :-
- Fights Rust :- It helps in preventing corrosion.Underbody coating is mostly needed in such vehicles that resides near sea (due to presence of humidity) or snow regions ( as snow contains moisture) that can oxide the Iron alloys present on the underbody panels.
- Absorbs Noise :- It dampens the outside noise to a greater extend till it reaches the cabin.
- Provides Reinforcement :- If the car comes with the factory coat then underbody coat acts as a reinforcement protecting the underbody from water,road debris and dusts.
- Prolong Car’s Lifespan :- Good undercoating not only defends the underbody from corrosion but also protects the engine and transmission as well.
Less rusting coupled with slower wear & tear can surely add years to the lifespan of your vehicle.
Disadvantage of Underbody Coating :-
- Will work best on new vehicles that have not been exposed to road conditions.
- Undercoating will not help if corrosion already exists and the corrosion needs to be removed first before it can be applied,which can be much expensive.