Rotting metal doesn’t invoke thoughts of long-term reliability and dependability. But if you’ve found your dream car online, albeit with a few rust spots, should you really turn your back on it? Rust happens when the metal in your car mixes with oxygen or water. It can be a serious problem and can spread like a rash.
“It can also be a real eye-sore,” said Craig Shuttleworth from Krown rust control. “But excessive rust often signals the impending death of a vehicle. Its useful life [is] essentially over.”
Types of Rust
Fortunately, it’s not all bad. Shuttleworth said that some spots are easily repairable and not much of a concern.
Some of these rust spots appear as little patches or bubbles on the paint surface of the car. Occasionally called “cosmetic rust,” there’s no doubt that it’s ugly but it’s also fairly localized.
Spots like this usually happen after a rock-chip penetrates the paint causing the exposed metal to react with water, air and other contaminants. While it weakens the paint around it, it’s not a big deal.
“This type of corrosion does not usually cause concern as it can be easily repaired with proper body preparation and re-painting,” reassures the expert at Krown.
