Is rust-proofing worth the cost?

Rust. It’s a four-letter word that can wreak havoc on a car — and your wallet. So wouldn’t it make sense to pay for some extra protection?

If you lived in California, like Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing at Edmunds.com, he’d tell you after-market rust protection is a waste of time. But if you live in Canada, where ice, snow, salt and dramatic climate fluctuations, combined with thousands of kilometres of gravel roads, can chip away your car’s built-in protection in no time, then rust-proofing is an excellent investment.

Benefits of Rust-Proofing Your Car

Rust-proofing your car in Canada is worth it, particularly if you live in an area where there is a lot of exposure to salt and other chemicals used to clear roads in the winter, then rust-proofing can really help prevent the build-up that promotes rust corrosion. That’s because salt and other chemicals used to de-ice roads can accelerate the rusting process, and if left unchecked, can lead to significant damage to your car’s body and undercarriage.

Rust-proofing treatments can help protect your car from these harmful chemicals and prevent rust from forming. While there is an upfront cost to rust-proofing your car, it can save you money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs and extending the life of your vehicle.

Much of the damage to your car’s existing rust coating is caused by driving on unpaved roadways, like those found in cot­tage country or at national parks and campgrounds across Canada. “The stones fly up and grind and chip and work at the surfaces on the undercarriage of the car,” explains Edmunds. “This particular kind of damage­ — repetitive surface damage — can leave exposed areas that be­come susceptible to corrosion.”

If you update your ride every couple of years, getting a spray-on rust coating isn’t worth it. But if you plan on driving your car into the ground, it can lengthen your car’s life. “The additional protection, and cost, only make sense if you plan on keeping your car over the long term,” says Edmunds.

After-market protection costs roughly $150 for 12 to 18 months of protection, says Kirk Robinson, owner of Robinson Auto­motive in Mississauga, Ont. He says rust-proofing can prevent a variety of repairs, such as fuel line corrosion — which can cost $1,000 to fix.

So which type of rust-proof­ing should you go for? That’s easy, says Robinson. “About two years ago the Canadian army tested every rust-proofing brand on the market.” The top pick was Corrosion FREE’s Formula 3000, with an 83% success rate. Other brands rated as low as 28%.

Should You Rust-Proof a New Car?

It’s important to note that some newer cars already have corrosion-resistant materials, and the manufacturer’s warranty may cover rust-related issues. Be sure to check your warranty and consult with a professional to determine if rust-proofing is necessary for your specific vehicle and usage.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the decision to rust-proof your car in Canada will depend on a variety of factors, such as where you live, the age of your car, and your driving habits. It’s always a good idea to do some research and consult with a professional to determine if it’s worth the cost for your specific situation.

However, if you feel that the extra protection from salt, chemicals and debris build-up is worth the investment, Robinson’s advice is to wash your car’s undercarriage before taking it in for rust-proofing. This prevents any debris from becoming trapped between the rust-proofing chemicals and your vehicle’s undercarriage. Finally, Robinson suggests staying away from sprays that are thick or waxy. “Those promote air pockets,” he says, “and that’s where you get rust.”