Underbody Coating

Introduction:

What is underbody coating for automobiles?

Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding (often based on
rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile. It
is normally 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 years, it’s fine too. This is because it can
prevent further damage to the undercarriage.

Fig1.1: Process of underbody coating of the vehicle.

Purpose of underbody coatings:
The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the
body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal
parts. Underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear. Getting a
fresh coat can cost you up to ₹6,000.

Fig1.2: Purpose of underbody coating of the vehicle.

01.Rubberized Underbody Coating:

This is generally thought of as the best underbody coating for your
car. It preserves the underbody well, protecting it from scratches.
Applying this to the undercarriage is not much of a hassle either.

Fig1.3: Rubberized underbody coating for the vehicles.

02.Wax Based Underbody Coating:
This – more or less – ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a
few months’ time. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a
big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option out
there.

03.Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating:
Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles this provides a
greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings.
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.

Fig1.4: Corrosion resistant underbody coating for the vehicles.

04.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 metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating,
you can paint over the polyurethane coating.

Advantages of Undercoating:
Now we will tell you why you should consider investing in a vehicle
underbody coating.

1.Fights Rust:

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. You should also seriously consider undercoating if you reside
in a place where it snows in winter.

Rusting of critical areas of the vehicle.

2.Absorbs Noise:
Believe it or not, 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.

3.Reinforcement:
If your car comes with stock underbody coating, using another
coating on top of it, is not going to hurt. It will offer additional
reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris,
gravel and small pebbles. There would also be a lesser chance for
the factory coat to flake away.

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.

Before and After undercoating figures of critical areas of the vehicle.

Disadvantages of Undercoating:
Costly:
Some of the underbody coatings are costly compared to their life's
span.
Maintenance cost:
It adds up into the maintenance cost of a vehicle greatly.

Conclusion:
We studied the different types of underbody coating for automobiles,
their types, their purpose, pros and cons used in an automotive
industries.