Underbody Coating
INTRODUCTION:
The underbelly of every vehicle needs proper care and protection due to various climate changes.Underbody coating helps protect your vehicle against rust and corrosion.
In indian road condition a car's underbody is most prone to corrosion.Under body 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.
UNDERBODY COATING:
Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding(often based on rubber)applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automoible.it is normaly sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean.But even if you are getting the undercoating applied after a couple of year it's fine too.This is because it can prevent further damage to the undercarriage.
image show the comparison of underbody coating
MAIN PURPOSE OF UNDERBODY COATING:
1.Prevents stone chip damage
An underbody coating provides a durable elastic over the underbody and wheel arches which protect the substrate from stons,gravels and other dirt grimes which is thrown up by the road.
2.Heat Insulation
It insulates the interior of car from extreme temperature from beneath the vehicle providing a comfort cabin experience.
3.Protects from Corrosion
Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion.It having highly functional wax and high adhesive ,it is resistant to cracking and peeling and it blocks the factors of rust,moisture,salt and oxygen to protect the vehicle from corrosion for a long period.
4.Minimise the Sound and Vibrations
Very thick undercoating can soften the noise that reach the cabin.It prevent vibrations because they make far less noise when struck than the metal undrneath.
TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING:
1.Rubberized Underbody Coating
This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating .it is the most common as well as the cheapest method.The paint, which can be obtained in the form of a spray or liquid is applies on the required places,which then dries to give a rubber like finish.It preserves the underbody well,protecting it from scartches.This is good for adhesion with the surface as well as redusing the sound from the cabin.But vehicle weight must be increase and if it is not done properly,it can damage the vehicle parts.
2.Wax or Paraffin Based Underbody Coating
Wax based underbody coating is an effective and highly adhesive rust protection for treated and untreated undersides.A resistant protective coat forms once it has dried,which is resistant to weather,road salt and acids.It is the cheapest and quiket option available with which to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle.wax basd under coating never truly harden.During application they drip or flow into seems and cracks to act as protective properties.
3.Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating
Best suited for lorries,trucks and large vehicles this provides a greater degree of protection compared to other coatings.It providing a extra durability against rocks,chips and moisture.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.
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 matal.This type of vehicle undercoating is a little bit quicker and easier to apply.This can sealant works by seeping into all cracks and seams,displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal.
Pros and Cons of using an underbody coating:
Pors:
1.Rust Prevention
The underbody coating result in a good adhesive coating to prevent rusting of the underbody surface and also extending the life of the parts. It becomes extremely important to apply this coating when the vehicle is to be driven close to coastal areas.
2.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.
3.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.
4.Easier maintenance
By giving a uniform coating, the underbody is well protected from moisture, which means that for cleaning the underbody water can be used.
Cons:
1.High cost
Cost of underbody coating has come down,but it is still expensive .This is because underbody coating offered by a car dealer is one way in which they make money off the customer.
2.Added weight
Although insignificant, there is a possibility that the extra weight can affect the fuel economy of the vehicle.
3.Risk of damage during application
If the coating is not applied properly, then there is a possibility of the paint getting into moving parts and create mechanical failures such as into U-joint or CV joints in a cars propeller shaft or drive shafts.They can also affect the smooth movement of suspension components,if applied incorrectly.There is also the possibilty of the coat damaging the paint job at the lower edges of the car.
Conclusion: The underbody coating and its types, pros and cons were studied.