IS UNDER BODY COATING IS NECESSARY?
In Indian road conditions, a cars underbody is most prone to corrosion. Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to car's underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are prone to corrosion.
Undercoating provides an additional layer of protection or insulation to the undercarriage of a vehicle. It covers most of the car's underside, including floorboards, pans, gas tanks, wheel wells, frame and suspension parts, mufflers, and exhaust pipes. Doing this, may in fact help extend your car's life and utility.
TYPES OF UNDER BODY COATING: 
RUBBERISED UNDER BODY COATING:
Rubberized Undercoating is an easy-to-use black rubberized protective coating. It provides corrosion protection from water, salt and other chemicals. Its helps deaden sound and provides a barrier against rust on cars, trucks, trailers and other recreational vehicles
It is easy to apply and offers sound-cushioning as well as protection from dust, moisture, and dings or dents.
ASPHALT UNDER BODY COATING:
Asphalt-based undercoating generally contains a little bit of rubberized material that sets up firmly and also helps soften noise. Generally sold in five gallon containers, this type of undercoating also needs more cure time than the other three, and is NOT paintable, making it best to use only for undercarriages.
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
POLYURETHENE UNDER BODY COATING:
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.
This type of sealant works by seeping into all cracks and seams, displacing salt and moisture and oozing around rusty areas to bond with and protect unoxidized metal. It also sands quickly in case you'll need to perform bodywork and can be painted over.
WAX/PARAFFIN UNDER BODY COATING:
Paraffin-based undercoating will be the cheapest and quickest option available with which to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle. However, keep in mind that it will wear off quicker than other types of undercoating and will need to be stripped and reapplied at least once every year
During application, they drip or flow into seams and cracks to provide protective properties. They are usually available in a spray gun canister or in an aerosol can and offer at least a base protection in moderately humid climates.
PROCESS - UNDER BODY COATING:
COMPARISON OF TWO CARS:
fig.VITARA BREZZA (Before & After)
fig. HYNDAI VENUE (Before & After)
COSTS COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFRENT SEGMENT OF CARS:
| Hatchback |
Rs 3000 - 3500 |
| Sedan / SUV Cars |
Rs 4000 - 4500 |
|
| Luxury Cars |
Rs 4500 - 5000 |
|
| High End Luxury Cars |
Rs 5000 - 6000 |
|
ADVANTAGES:
- Fights Rust & Corrosion
- Absorbs noise - Soften the noises that reaches cabin
- Reinforcement - Additional protection
- Prolongs car's life - slower wear & tear of components
DISADVANTAGES:
CONCLUSION:
Underbody coatings can also make it easier for you to clean the car. Besides these, the coating provides a bit of thermal insulation making travelling by road easier even during summers.
However, you should make sure that the surface is properly cleaned before the coating is applied.
Say goodbye to all your rust related problems. You can drive on all kinds of roads even in bad weather conditions without your car’s undercarriage paying the price for it.
