Expert: William Forster - 6/22/2006

Question
I have a 2005 Subaru Impreza. Unfortunately I live in Pennsylvania, where we have harsh long winters. This equals lots of salt and stones on the roads. Basically I drive a lot on the interstate and the front of my car is pretty dinged up with paint chips. A few chips that got down to the metal have even begun to rust already. I was wondering what I should do about this? Should I use touch up paint/sandpaper/primer etc. to fix all those chips (not too sure about this solution, especially since there are so many to fix), get it professionally fixed (could be expensive though), or can I just leave it and not worry about the rust spreading everywhere. Not sure what to do, particularly since next winter should bring the same problem all over again. Will that small amount of rust spread and ruin the front of my car?

Answer
Hello! Touch up the paint chips, the rust will start spreading if you don't. Also, check with your Subaru service department. See if the chipping is excessive, it could possibly be covered under paint warranty. Keep your fingers crossed on that one. At the very minimum, fill the paint chips with a heavy coat of wax. Be warned, however, once you do this, touch up paint WILL NOT STICK!! I would personally first check the warranty, if it's not covered, touch up the paint as best you can, then heavily wax it to fill those you deem too small to touch up. hope this helps! Bill