Underbody Coating

Aim: To study Under-Body Coating and its purposeand its types in detail with pros and cons.

Under-Body Coating

Undeerbody coating is a protective layer created on underside of chassis of vehicle. This a uniform layer which longtime protect the underside from small stones, corrosion. Considering indian roads, underside of ody comes in contact eith potholes,stones,and water. Due to this underside may get damaged, corrosion. Different materials are used for this coating like rubber wax, etc.

Purpose

• Protection against corrosion
• Protection of car vital components like silencer,engine, numerous other wires and small engine components for different purposes in the car.
• Reduces NVH(Noise Vibration Harshness) levels
• Car underbody coating prevents paint from chipping
• Covering all the welded joints

Types

1. Rubberized Underbody Coating

Rubberized vehicle undercoating is easy to apply and offers sound-cushioning as well as protection from dust, moisture, and dings or dents.

In addition to your undercarriage, rubberized undercoating is also safe to use on wheel wells and quarter panels, and dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seeps. The coating can be painted over and, if necessary for bodywork, can be easily removed with an undercoating removal spray.

Overall, rubberized coating is generally the best option for protecting your vehicle's undercarriage, as it provides the simplest and best protective measures against rust and moisture.

2. Wax Based Underbody Coating

A paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle. However, keep in mind that it will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be stripped and 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.

3. Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating

For standard vehicles, any of the aforementioned types of undercoating will provide sufficient protection. For large trucks and heavy machinery, asphalt-based undercoating provides a bit of extra durability against rocks, chips, and moisture.

Asphalt-based undercoating generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up firmly and also helps soften noise. Generally sold in five gallon containers, this type of undercoating also needs more cure time than the other three, and is NOT paintable, making it best to use only for undercarriages.

4. Polyurethane Underbody Coating

The other option for undercoating your vehicle is to use a polyurethane-based sealant. This type of vehicle undercoating is a little bit quicker and easier to apply.

Oftentimes, polyurethane undercoating will come in canisters ready to preload into an application gun. This type of 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. It also sands quickly in case you'll need to perform bodywork and can be painted over.

On the flipside, this type of car undercoating generally requires a little bit more surface prep work before applying -- sanding and applying an etching primer to bare metals before using are generally recommended.

Pro's of Under body Coating:

More life of Car And Rust Prevention

As undercoatig reduce the rusting, which increases the lifespan of underside. So the overall life of vehicle increases. Underside is the area where the rusting start in early stage.

Noise Reduction

very thick undercoating 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.

Prevent Rusting

It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if you live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things.

Con's of Under body Coating:

• It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for the best results
• An undercoating is not impervious to damage.
• It adds weight to the vehicle
• Most vehicles make it five years before corrosion begins to show.
• It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.