Underbody Coating
Underbody Coating:
In Indian road conditions, a car's underbody is most prone to corrosion. Underbody coating provides long-term protection from corrosion to the car’s underbody. It 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. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails, and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.
Types of Underbody Coating:
1. Rubberized underbody coating:
This is considered to be the best underbody coating for cars. It protects the underbody from scratches and keeps it properly. This can be done at the authorized service center or by the local repair shop at a reasonable price. Rubberized coating is ideal if you want to keep the road noise to a minimum and rust and corrosion away.
2. 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.
3. Asphalt-based underbody coating:
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.
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 metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating.
Pros of underbody coating:
1. Minimizes Sound: It minimizes the sound from underneath the car resulting in a noiseless, smooth driving experience.
2. Heat Insulation: It insulates the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.
3. Anti-chipping property: If any stone hits the coating it does not get chipped away hence protecting the underbody from exposure to water.
4. 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.
Cons of underbody coating:
1. It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.
2. It works best on new cars.
3. Most vehicles make it five years before corrosion begins to show.
4. It adds weight to the vehicle.
5. An undercoating is not impervious to damage.