Underbody Coating

UNDERBODY COATING:

Introduction:

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.

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 also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.

Underbody protective coating is used to protect the vehicle chassis from external environment, to ensure the integrity and safety of the car. The use of underbody coating plays a very important role in the service life of the vehicle. In general, it is required to spray such a protective coating in the manufacturing of the new car.

Due to the highly competitiveness of new car sales, car producers have pressure to reduce the manufacturing cost, so that they reduce or even completely eliminate the use of under body coating where it is not to be easily seen by car owners. As a consequence, our car service life will be greatly reduced.

Many car owners know to regularly maintain the vehicle by changing the engine oil and having the paint polished, but little attention has been paid to the bottom of the car. There are many cars whose surface looks glossy, while the under body’s already rusting.

WHAT IS UBC (Under body coating): -

Underbody protective coatings are used to protect the vehicle chassis from external environment, to ensure the integrity and safety of cars.

The use of UBC plays a very important role in the service life of the vehicle. In general, it is required to spray such a protective coating in the manufacturing of the new car. Due to the highly competitiveness of new car sales, car producers have pressure to reduce the manufacturing cost, so that they reduce or even completely eliminate the use of under body coating where it is not to be easily seen by car owners. As a consequence, our car service life will be greatly reduced.

Many car owners all know to regularly maintenance the vehicle by changing the engine oil and having the paint polished, but little attention has been paid to the bottom of the car. There are many cars that look glossy, while the underbody is already rusting.

PURPOSE OF UNDERBODY COATING:

• Prevent from stone chip

There are thousands of pieces of stones on the road, and they are constantly hitting your car on the under body, wheel arches, sills and the trunk lower part while driving on the road. In some cases, the under body might be scratched by uneven road. As such the thin corrosion protection coating on the metal sheet will be destroyed and leave the bare metal exposed to the air, which will soon come to corrosion when contact with the moisture in the air. If not promptly getting anti-rust treatment, then the rust will soon spread to large areas. Under body coating or the anti-stone chip coating is a thick elastic layer which could not be easily damaged by stone chipping or scratch, therefore could basically protect the metal sheet of the under body.

• Prevents Paint Chipping

Running on the highway or while pacing through a city road, you will often encounter sharp gravel or any other unattended object hitting the belly of your car with high momentum. This scrapes and chips off the metal from down below. A thick layer of Underbody Coating definitely comes to aid and minimises the effects of such contacts on the body.

• Protects Against Rust & Corrosion

The primary objective of getting underbody coating done is preventing metal components that are exposed on the bottom side of the car to damage from corrosion. You can shut out the Adverse effects of corrosion on your car by simply applying a rubberised anti-rust coating all over the belly of your car.

• External influence

External environment, such as the baking from the hot road in summer, the road’s anti-frozen gent in winter, raining water and the salty water in the atmosphere, will attach the under body of a car. Particular in coast areas, the wind from the sea will bring more salt to the air, which will accelerate the corrosion and reduce the service life of a car. While the under body is covered by the thick and tight layers, it would act as a strong barrier to prevent these external substances attaching the metal sheet.

• Protects Vital Components

Underneath a car is somewhere a lot of indispensable parts of a car are left exposed like the Engine, silencer, etc. One simply can’t afford to let these parts go bad due to rusting and hence in order to save yourself from a hefty repair bill, a considerably less expensive Anti-Rust Coating is a must.

• Keep the value

A car could keep a high value while it is well maintained. It means that if a car is well treated on under body protection, it could keep the car in a good condition and extend the car’s service life, or you could charge a higher price in a used-car trading.

• Reduces NVH (Noise Vibrations Harshness) Levels

Our country is filled with roads having uneven patches and potholes and while we manoeuvre our cars through such sections, the unpaved crumbs, and pebbles hit the car from underneath or get stuck in the wheel wells. The underbody coating’s consistency is so thick that the layer it creates absorbs all the unpleasant noises and vibrations and marginally improves the driving experience.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY PAINT:

A car underbody coating can be factory-applied or aftermarket. Most commonly these coatings are one of the three types:

1. Resin-based

Polyurethanes and rubber coating are popular because their elastomeric properties provide long-term stone chip damage and corrosion protection as well as sound deadening effects. These also have the benefit of being suitable for a wide range of substrates and they can be painted over. Can be spray-applied, high build, and particularly good for areas of possible salt exposure.

2. Wax-based

An excellent anti rust coating suitable for all substrates. The wax is applied soft and cures hard, either by brush or spray, and can be layered thickly. It cannot be top coated.

3. Bitumen-based

These underbody paint systems provide hard-wearing protection against stone chip damage and corrosion. They also have sound-deadening properties. Suitable across many substrates, but cannot be painted over.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING:

When having your vehicle rustproofed or undercoating applied, you have a few options to choose from. Whether you prefer the latest technology or a more tried and true method, knowing what the different options are should allow you to choose the best one for your vehicle.

• Electronic method

Using a weak electric current, this small device can stop the corroding effects of rust.

You can have these electronic devices installed at the dealership, or save some money and buy them from a source outside of the dealership.

The reviews on these devices are mixed, as this is a virtually new technology.

• Undercoating

This method involves spraying a tar-based substance on the exposed parts of a vehicle's underbody.

The tar-like undercoating acts as a barrier once it hardens, keeping out moisture, salt, and other substances.

This undercoating works best when applied to the undercarriage of a new vehicle. It also requires expert application, or it can crack, letting in moisture.

• Dripless oil spray

A wax-like substance applied to the entire body of the vehicle, it hardens once it has dried.

One of the downsides of dripless oil sprays is that you need to have holes drilled into the body of the car at specific points to make it effective.

The spray also has a high viscosity, meaning that it does not always get into all of the nooks and crannies of your vehicle.

• Drip oil spray

This is the most commonly recommended rust protection.

Drip oil sprays tend to continue to drip once applied until they dry. This dripping can last anywhere up to 48 hours after application.

Unlike the dripless varieties, the more watery nature of drip oil sprays means it gets into more areas on your vehicle, though you still need to have holes drilled in your vehicle's fenders, doors, and other areas to make sure that it gets to all the areas it needs to.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE OF UNDERBODY COATING:

• Lift up the vehicle, take off the wheel and plastic wheel covering.
• Thoroughly clean the under body of the vehicle by high pressure water.
• Blasting with compressed air could accelerate the drying.
• Mask off the adjacent areas and parts with paper where not allowed to spray, such as exhausting pipe, brake system, engine, paint surface and etc.
• Shake the can approx. 40 times before use, connect the can with spray gun.
• Spray at room temperature and from a distance of approx. 25 cm in an X motion to build up a continuous coat. Do not spray on parts of the brake, engine or exhaust system.
• Apply this product until the desired layer thickness is reached. If a thick layer is required, let layers dry in between.
• After each use, clean the spray by flushing with suitable solvent.

NEED OF UNDERBODY COATING ON A CAR:

1. A must-have if you live in coastal areas

Vehicles in the coastal areas are much more prone to corrosion than in any other region. The content of salt in the water floating around during the monsoon season is way too high. Adding to this is the humidity in such areas and these elements further speed up the process of corrosion. Hence getting your car done right with a nice underbody coat job is of utmost importance for people living that beach life.

2. Or if you live near un-paved/muddy roads

If you live in areas having large sections of unpaved roads, then monsoon is just going to make things worse. The sand is going to mix with the water and all that muck will get stuck to your car’s belly while you tread over such a course. This makes your car’s underbody more vulnerable to damage and a nice and thick coating will surely help.

3. It also affects your car resale value

All that damage due to corrosion, if left unattended could lead to some permanent damage, which will cost you in terms of rapid depreciation in your car’s resale value. This will make it almost impossible for your car to pass a strict inspection when you put it up for sale. Hence, regular checks of your car’s underbody condition is the key to maintaining its value.

• After tough free, remove all the mask paper, re-install all the parts.
• In case the under-body coating is sprayed to unwanted areas, clean it before drying.

ELECTRODEPOSITION:

The metal underbody and frames of automobiles are coated to prevent corrosion, whereas other areas like the roof are not rust‐proofed. When not coated to prevent corrosion, the structural metals (or other materials) are primed before applying additional coatings.

An SCGA electrodeposition solution having a 90% Zn–10% Fe composition (GA material) is the primary coating used in modern automobiles to prevent corrosion. In comparison to the SGC solution, i.e., GI material, with 100% Zn during electrodeposition, the GA material minimizes ED gas pin (paint quality defects) and maximizes spot welding performance; however, the SGC process is still used in Europe. The SCGM corrosion protection method was used in previous decades, and it did enable minimization of ED gas pin. However, its cost was higher than the GA material.

During operation, a mixture of resin, binder, and a paste containing the pigments is fed into the electrodeposition tank. The automobile body is lowered into the tank, and an electric current applied; the solution in the tank consists of 80%–90% deionized water and 10%–20% paint solids (consisting of resin, binder, and pigment). The deionized water acts as a carrier for the paint solids, which are under constant agitation.

• The resin is the backbone of the final paint film and provides corrosion protection, durability, and toughness. Pigments are used to provide color and gloss. To control paint performance during cathodic E‐coating, purging of the paint and regulating the amount of applied voltage are essential.
• As the coating grows in thickness, it becomes more and more insulating, thereby causing the deposition process to slow. As an automobile body exits the tank, paint solids adhering to the surface but not bound to the surface are rinsed off to recover the ED solids via an ultrafiltration unit to ensure surface.
• After the E‐coat, the automobile body enters a bake oven, in which heating and keeping at a temperature of 160 °C for 10 min causes film curing to promote maximum performance properties.
• The oven temperature and heating time primarily enhance chip resistance and film adhesion to the body; corrosion protection is affected less by these conditions. Because surface roughness influences the smoothness and brilliance of the topcoat, some sanding of the surface is usually performed to remove or eliminate defects before the body enters the next application step.
• A common challenge in the current E‐coating process is that of water.

ADVANTAGES:

• It provides a layer of protection against corrosion.

When an undercoating is properly applied to a vehicle, then you’ll be providing the underbelly with a layer of protection against rust and corrosion. Instead of contacting the metal components of the vehicle, the debris encounters the undercoating, which then proactively repels the dangerous items away. Although an undercoating will eventually wear out, it can provide years of protection against premature corrosion.

• It will extend the life of your vehicle.

A proper undercoating extends the life of your vehicle because of its rust-stopping power. Corrosion does more than affect the integrity of the metals in your vehicle. It can get into your metal wires and cables, affecting any component which is comprised of steel or aluminium. Even your transmission and engine have exposure to rust when there isn’t a vehicle undercoating applied.

• It can be applied to damaged areas.

Over time, the underbelly of your vehicle is going to develop nicks, chips, and scratches because of the debris you encounter while driving. Unlike older forms of undercoating, which included the use of asphalt and animal fat, modern products provide a real layer of protection because it can morph into the various areas of small damage.

A modern undercoating is usually wax-based, which creates a living barrier that your vehicle can use to promote a self-healing experience.

• It can be self-applied.

Rustproofing works best when you have this service professionally applied to your vehicle. If money is tight, however, and you have some basic car maintenance skills, then you can do the work yourself.

If this service is applied at the dealership, it may cost up to $1,500, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Some dealers include it in a package of services that are priced even higher. When you do the job yourself, then the cost can be less than $100 for cars and under $150 for trucks and SUVs.

Just keep in mind that you’re going to be creating a bit of a mess while applying a DIY undercoat.

• There are multiple undercoating methods which can be used.

There are four different undercoating methods that are commonly used on vehicles which require this service. The electronic method is used when rust is present to stop its corrosive effect, which is a method that receives mixed reviews. A standard undercoating method applies a tar-like substance to the exposed components of the vehicle underbelly. A dripless oil spray applies a waxy substance that fills in the entire body of the vehicle, which hardens when it dries.

Then there is the drip-oil method, which may cause dripping for up to 48 hours when applied. From a cost perspective, it is this final option that is most often applied at the dealership.

• The service might help with the cost of your insurance.

Vehicular insurance is based on risk. If you reduce the risks of a claim by giving your vehicle a proactive service, of which an undercoating applies, then it may lower your overall premiums. States which see high levels of corrosiveness, such as Hawaii, typically see the steepest discounts with this advantage. Northern and coastal states in the U.S. might also see this benefit.

Although the premium decrease won’t offset the cost of the service, a discount of 3% to 7% may be available for some owners.

• It may help to reduce interior noise.

When you’re driving, the sounds of the road can be soothing if they aren’t too loud. For lightweight vehicles, the noise pollution can be overwhelming to the driver in some situations. Applying a layer of undercoating creates a barrier against the sound, which creates an interior that is quieter. After the service is performed, many drivers notice that audio levels are noticeably lower inside their vehicle.

• Save money:

It’s expensive to have your car undercoated by a professional since it can cost hundreds of dollars for one session. Moreover, you would also have to wait for a couple of days before the job is done. Instead of spending a fortune on an undercoating service, buy a quick-dry undercoat and do the job yourself.

• Reduce road noise.

A vehicle’s undercarriage gets noisier as time goes by due to rust and wear. Most undercoats are formulated to seal all the nooks and crannies on the undercarriage that typically lead to road noise.

• Add an extra layer of protection.

An undercoat typically acts as an additional layer of protection from mold, moisture, dust, and rot. It also protects your vehicle from dents, scratches, and paint chips.

DISADVANTAGES:

• It won’t do anything about the corrosion which is already present.

For an undercoating to be effective, it must be in place before the underbelly of your car begins to rust. If you apply it over corrosion, you won’t be making an improvement. It will look better… until the rust breaks its way through the layer of undercoating you’ve applied. If you have rust present, then it must be removed, with the metal repaired, before the undercoating is applied for best results.

• It works best on new cars.

If you’ve purchased a used vehicle, then the cost of preparing the underbelly for an undercoating might be more than the value of the car. You must remove all the residue from the bottom before it can be applied. Failing to do so will seal in the debris that is present already, which can lead to more problems. The best time to have an undercoating applied is when a vehicle is purchased new because it offers a superior level of protection then.

• Most vehicles make it five years before corrosion begins to show.

For vehicle owners who purchase something new every 3 to 5 years, then rustproofing may not be a good use of your cash. Although an undercoating does add value to a used car, that only applies when the rustproofing product used provides a transferrable lifetime warranty. Most vehicles that are on the road today are able to make it five years before any corrosion begins to show. It may be 7 to 10 years before the functionality of the vehicle is negatively impacted by the lack of an undercoating.

If you wash your vehicle regularly, especially during the winter months, then you might be able to save the time and money required for this service.

• A third-party undercoating service might void your vehicle’s warranty.

Some new cars no longer need the undercoating service provided because the structure of the vehicle has it built-in already. If you hire a third-party provider to apply an undercoating, you could void the corrosion-perforation warranty that is factory-provided. Most vehicles today that leave the factory floor are all provided with included rust-proofing.

If you are purchasing a used vehicle, an undercoating to a clean underbelly could extend the life of the vehicle and give it more value. For new vehicle purchases, you should ask the dealer what rustproofing options are included before paying for a separate undercoating option. Ask for documentation of what is provided instead of taking the word of the salesperson or the service personnel.

Many dealers have language in their terms and conditions that only written agreements are binding.

• It adds weight to the vehicle.

Although the amount of weight added to a vehicle with an undercoating is minimal (between 10 to 20 pounds for most vehicles), there is an element of fuel economy to consider. When your vehicle weighs more, the distance you can travel on a single tank of fuel is reduced. The undercoating might reduce your efficiency by up to one mile per gallon, which creates an additional fuel cost over time that is worth considering.

• An undercoating is not impervious to damage.

An undercoating can provide a hardened layer of protection against dirt and debris that may cause corrosion. Depending on where you drive, however, the lifespan of this product may be minimal. If you drive your vehicle on gravel roads or dirty areas frequently, you reduce the integrity of the protective layer.

You might find that your undercoating begins to chip off in as little as 25,000 miles because of this issue. Driving in a salty environment is not the only threat to the integrity of this product.

• It must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years for best results.

The only way for an undercoating to provide ongoing protection for your vehicle is to have the service repeated frequently. Most owners can have a new layer applied in about 5 years without worrying about their underbelly being compromised. In salty or destructive environments, however, you may need to have a new undercoating applied every 3 years for best results.

The pros and cons of a vehicle undercoating offer a complex opportunity to protect some new and used cars, but not all new vehicles require it. You must perform your own due diligence on a vehicle you’re wanting to purchase to decide if this service is right for you. And, if cost is an issue, it is possible to apply your own undercoating, though such an action might void an active warranty.

• Protects Against Rust & Corrosion

The primary objective of getting underbody coating done is preventing metal components that are exposed on the bottom side of the car to damage from corrosion. You can shut out the Adverse effects of corrosion on your car by simply applying a rubberised anti-rust coating all over the belly of your car.

Out of all the things you need to do to prep your ride for the monsoon, Protecting the underbelly of the car should be your top priority. Especially during monsoon when heavy precipitation causes the roads to become mini-rivers and our cars are left stranded there. This makes them prone to heavy corrosion in the underbody region.

Hence, we bring to you some of the factors that make Underbody Anti-Rust Coating essential before stepping into the monsoon season.