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 sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean. But even if the underbody coating is applied on the car 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 the rust, especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts.

Underbody coating can reduce wear and tear.

Types of underbody coating:

The various kinds of underbody coating for an automobile are as follows:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Asphalt-based under-body 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.

4. Polyurethane underbody coating- This coating closes up splits and fractures 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.

Different methods of undercoating

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Dip oil spray: In this method waxy substance is applied to the body and undercarriage, forming a strong protective layer. However, the layer can easily wear and tear more than the other counter methods.

Advantages of Underbody coating:

• Fight Rust
• Absorbs Noise
• Reinforcement
• Prolong Car’s life.

Disadvantages of Underbody Coating

• High Cost
• Risk of damage during application
• Not highly effective on a Used Vehicle (because residue on the surface can already be present)