Underbody Coating
UNDERBODY COATING
Underbody coating is 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 it can also be applied after a couple of years. This is because it can prevent further damage to the undercarriage.
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.
Methods of Underbody Coating
- Spray
The spray is the most common method used by dealers. The spray consists of a tar-like substance that is applied to the undercarriage. It functions as a barrier for salt, moisture, and oxygen, which causes corrosion.
- Electronic
Removing the electrical current capacity of items underneath the vehicles is another method for applying to undercoat. A weak electric current circulates through the material, reducing the chances of rusting.
- Drip Oil Spray
This is a messy but effective type of underbody coating. It covers every nook and corner of the chassis forming a robust layer of protection. But, it takes a long time to dry, in some cases it drips for around 48hours to a week.
- Dripless Oil Spray
In this process a waxy substance is applied to the body and undercarriage, forming a strong protective layer. It doesn’t take much time to dry, however, the layer can easily wear and tear than the other counter methods.
Types of Underbody Coating
- 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.
- 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.
- Asphalt 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 though.
- 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 Underbody Coating
- Fights rust and extends the life of the car.
- Absorbs noise, as very thick undercoating can soften the noise that reach the cabin. Since the coating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets.
- Prolongs the cars life by defending the underbody from corrosion, also protecting the engine and transmission
- Acts as a Heat Insulation by insulating the interior of the car from extreme temperatures from beneath the vehicle providing a comfortable cabin experience.