Underbody Coating

Underbody Coating:

         Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding (often based on rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile. It is normally spryed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean. But if the underbody coating is applied after a couple of years, it's fine too. 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. Getting a fresh coat can cost up to Rs.6000.

Types of Undercoating:

1. Rubberized Underbody Coating

2. Wax Based Underbody Coating

3. Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating

4. Polyurethane Underbody Coating.

Rubberized Underbody Coating:

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

Wax Based Underbody Coating:

              This is more or less ephemeral undercoating which will wear away in a few month's time. On the upside, wax based undecoating puts up a big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option available for undercoating.

Asphalt Based Automotive Undercoating:

                  Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles since it provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber based coatings. However, Aspalt based coatings contain little abounts of rubber for sound insulation purpose. The process of applying this coating is a bit time consuming though.

Polyurethane Underbody Coating.

                    This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underside of the vehicle. It offers up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with the metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt based coating, one can paint over the polyurethane coating.

The following are some of the advantages of an underbody coating:

Fight Rust:

           It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially when one is living near the sea, where there is too much of humidity and rusting is one of those everyday things. Serious thought must also be given for considering underbody coating if one is residing in a place where there is heavy snow in winter.

Absorbs Noise:

Very thick undercoating can soften the noise that reach the cabin. Siince the undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets. The occupants of the car could spare themselves of the road noises - at least up to a certain extend.

Prolong Car's Life:

Good Underbody coating not only defends the under body 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 the vehicle. 

The following are some of the disadvantages of an underbody coating:

1. High Cost:

           Cost of underbody coating is still expensive, this is because underbody coating offered by the car dealer is one way in which they make money off the customer.

2. Risk of damage during application:

            Care must be taken while applying underbody coating. This thick rubberized paint if not applied properly, can get into moving mechanical parts and cause premature failure - such as Universal joint or CV Joints in a car propeller shaft or drive shafts. They can also hinder smooth movement of suspension components, if applied incorrectly. And there's also the risk of overspray on the the car's paint finish on the lower edges of the car.