Underbody Coating

Underbody Coating of Automobiles

Underbody coating is the spraying of the underbody of the automobile with a dense coating, which is usually rubber based. The underbody of the automobile is always exposed to the ground and environment and is usually prone to chipping due to small rocks hitting the surface or splashed by muddy waters, etc. this makes the underside prone to wear and tear, which may not be obvious, but can be damaging in the long run.

Previously, automobile bodies were made of metals like steel, which are easily damaged and oxidized to form rust. The bodies, today, are made of better materials like aluminum and other tough metals along with the automotive body coating done in the industries which add to the toughness.

Underbody coating is usually provided by the car dealership at the time of sale. It can also be done later, though its best to do it at the time of sale as the surfaces are clean and free from any kind of rust.

Spraying of underbody with protective coating

The types of underbody coating available are:

1. Rubberized Underbody Coating: It is the most common type of underbody coating done for vehicles.
2. Wax Based Underbody Coating: It is cheaper option and hence not as durable as rubberized underbody coating, though it provides best protection against moisture.
3. Asphalt Based Underbody Coating: This type of undercoating is usually done on vehicles like trucks as it provides greater protection, although applying of it consumes a lot of time.
4. Polyurethane Based Underbody Coating: This type of coating can fill up the cracks in the underbody and painting over is also possible.

Advantages:

• Adds to the car life: Undercoating not only protects from rust but also protects the internal mechanisms of the automobile. Less rusting will lead to prolonging of the car life, which leads to less worries over the dents, scratches on the underbody.
• Rust Protection: It protects the underbody from rusting. Especially the areas where the humidity is high and places that snow, underbody coating is a must and chances of rust forming in these areas are more.
• Noise Reduction: Underbody coating provides another layer of protection from the noise outside which travels into the driver compartment.
• Extra Protection: Even when the vehicle does come with an underbody coat, adding another coat does no harm and only adds to the reinforcement of the underbody.

Disadvantages:

• The only downside to undercoating, is the cost. Although, it is better to get it done over chances of reducing the car life.

Following are some pictures of the products available in the market for undercoating.