Expert: William Forster - 4/25/2008

Question
hi,

just a simple question. can rustproofing the underbody of the car stop the spread of rust/ get worse? i am about to buy a 2000 ford taurus which has been rustproofed every single year, or a toyota camry which has only been rustproofed the last 2 years.

thanks,

sk

Answer
demand proof that the car was rustproofed at all, especially if you are buying from a dealer. Just because it was undercoated, that doesn't mean it was done properly, or with quality materials. I've taken off many panels with a lovely band of undercoat sprayed down the center of it- not around where they rust. Plan on having the car professionally undercoated after purchasing it- be sure they use parrifin based undercoat, not the black tar stuff. It's more expensive, but it actually works, and is more likely to run into the nooks and crannies where rust tends to start. Bill