Underbody Coating

UNDER BODY COATING

What is underbody coating

Underbody coating is processes of applies extra layer of defences under side to the vehicle. Undercoating is the sprayed application of a wax or rubber-based composite onto the entire underside of the vehicle. Undercoating provides a more comprehended protective layer for your vehicle. It’s designed to create a rust proof layer between the under side of the vehicle and the water, ice, derbies and salt of the road. This includes the floorboard, wheel well and frames and etc.

Why underbody coating is important

Your car is a major investment and it should be protected. Vehicle was designed for transport. When you go out driving. Think like dirt, debris, mud, and salt are kicked up from the road and get into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle undercarriage. This may cause corrosion and can lead to part failure and a whole host of other issues. Rust is not just ugly but can trigger a number of different system breakdowns, such as leaks that can lead to gradual fuel wating and sizeable component. And also, rust can reduce life and residual value of your vehicle

What is the type 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 based automotive undercoating

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.

What are pros in undercoating

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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, 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 vehicles.

4. 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.

5. 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 6000 rupees 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 1500 rupees for cars and under 3000 rupees for trucks and SUVs.

What are cons in undercoating

1. It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.

For an undercoating to be the most effective, it should be in place before the underbelly of your car begins to rust. If you apply it over corrosion, you will still isolate the metal from further moisture and airflow, which is good, but the existing oxidizing/rusting process will still continue to occur. After rust is already present, applying an undercoating will slow the continuation of the corrosion process and will make your vehicle look better… until the rust breaks its way through the layer of undercoating you’ve applied. If you have rust present, it is better to remove the rust and then apply the undercoating.

2. 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.

3. 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 a small 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 a small additional fuel cost over time. Still, the effect on mileage of this additional weight is negligible compared to the effect a driver can have by the way they drive.

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