Underbody Coating
Underbody coating
Underbody: Underbody parts are mainly structure elements and panels placed in the lower part of the vehicle including the whole vehicle’s platform.
Figure: 1 Underbody parts (Toyota Land Cruiser)
If you live in an area of the world that sees a significant amount of snow, or are located in a coastal region, it’s quite possible that you are already familiar with the term “Underbody coating”.
A car’s underbody is exposed to the most wear and tear caused by muddy water, potholed roads, stones and other obstacles on the road. Because it’s not in plain sight, we often do not see the damage of the underneath metal parts like Suspension arms, muffler, brakes, axles, transmission etc.
WHAT
In Indian road conditions, a cars underbody is most prone to corrosion and rust. 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.
Underbody coatings can also make it easier for you to clean the car. Besides these, the coating provides a bit of thermal insulation making travelling by road easier even during summers. Risk of corrosion, because of the effect of rain and salty grit used on roads to prevent icing in winter. Over time, this corrosion can cause significant damage to the vehicle.
Figure: 2 Comparison between condition not treated and with Underbody coating
Underbody Treatments offers you a long term solution for issues related to corrosion and rust. First, the car under body is washed and degreased. Then, the Protective Coat is applied with Body Schultz Gun (5 year Warranty) or under shield gun (2 year warranty). The Body Schultz/Under shield, is a hard coating on the underbody of the car that is fast-drying, paintable, rubberized, non-toxic and chip-resistant. It also minimizes sound from underneath the vehicle and insulates against the heat and cold.
The Underbody Treatment protects the car underbody from rust. So, increasing the longevity of the car and thus enhancing its resale value.
WHY
Damage to the paint or the windscreen of a vehicle can be easily detected with the naked eye. However, detecting damage under the vehicle is much more complicated, but not less relevant.
Although some cars, trucks and agricultural machinery are provided with undercoating at the factory, this is not sufficient in the long run. Moisture, dirt, stone-chipping and road salt cause stress cracks to form and this affects the car under seal. Once the underbody coating is damaged, it is only a matter of time until it spreads over wider areas.
Figure: 3 Anti-corrosion & Anti-rust Underbody coating process done by Serviceman
Applying to undercoat, as soon as you get your new car, is the best way to keep the chassis intact. This covers the undersurface saving it from road grime and other stuff.
We all are aware of the fact that the underbody of the previous models was made from durable metals such as steel, which is easily damaged and oxidized, forming rust. The speedy beast today is made up of polycarbonate material, aluminum, and other tough materials that are more stable against corrosion. Not to mention, car underbody treatments make them more durable.
Maintaining car underbody coating can be a lifesaver for the driver. Conventional underbody treatments such as road salt or mag chloride are still used for rust or corrosion-related issues. However, the real concern is the need for these products for our car today.
Figure: 4 Underbody coating process “Before” & “After”
Methods used for the undercoating application process:
- Spray-On “Rubberized” Undercoating
- Electronic Rust Inhibitors
- Lanolin Wax/Wool Grease
- Dripless Oil Spray
Purpose of applying underbody coating:
Some of the factors that make Underbody Anti-Rust Coating essential before stepping into the monsoon season.
- Protects Against Rust & Corrosion
- Reduces NVH (Noise Vibrations Harshness) Levels
- Prevents Paint Chipping, scratches
- Protects Vital Components - Work as Reinforcement
- Protecting its most exposed areas from moisture, dirt, salt, and more.
- Working as Heat Insulation
- Making your car smooth
- It extends the lifespan of your car
Major Reasons “WHY” undercoating process required:
