Underbody Coating

Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile. it is normally sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership. The main purpose of underbody coating is to prevent corrosion and rusting in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts.

1. Underbody coating process begins with cleaning of grease and dirt on the BIW surface

2. Then the BIW structure is dipped in electrodeposition bath to apply rust and corrosion protective coating on the BIW surface, the electrodeposit layer also helps in better absorption of the paint layer on the surface.

3. Further the BIW structure is hot dried and dipped in a primer solvent.

4. The BIW structure is the applied with underbody sealant to provide thicker layer at weld and other areas requiring thicker layer prone to chipping and water leaks.

5. Finally it is top coated with suitable paint which imparts colour, appearance and weather resistance.

Image depicts antirust underbody coating

Types of underbody coating

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

2. Wax based underbody coating : This - more or less - ephemeral underbody coating will wear away in a few months time. On the upside, wax-based underbody coating 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 amount of rubber for sound insulation purposes. The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming.

4. Polyuretahne underbody coating : This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offer up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with metal. Unlike the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating.

Advantages

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 more prone to rusting. Underbody coating is also recommended for places where snow occurs in winter.

2. Absorbs Noise - Very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the underbody coating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets.

3. Reinforcement - It will offer additional reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles.

4. Prolongs car life - Good underbody coating 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 scartches on the undercarriage for you to fret about.

Disadvantages

1. High cost

2. Added weight