How to protect my baby from winter road salt, slush, mud?

[Ken_W]

As summer begins to wind down, I am beginning to think about how to protect my 2000 SLE from the gunk that will be on the roads once the snow begins. The rocker panels on my 2004 Montana are all rusted out, and I hope to spare my Bonne from a similar fate!

Note that I cannot garage these vehicles, so they are outdoors 24/7. I do have access to a parking ramp at work, however.

Any tips?

Ken_W

[GMC Guy]

I do KROWN rust control on mine. I dont like the other one rustcheck.

in most cases it will slow it down... not stop it.

thats my 2 cents worth

[Ken_W]

I'll check that out for the Montana... My Bonneville is currently rust-free and I hope to keep it that way.

Ken_W

[laxmangl]

A good sealant/wax combo and keeping it as salt and slush free as you possibly can is the best way to do it.

[Neanderthal]

I know people who spray the undercarriage (minus hot parts) with used motor oil or some other oily stuff.

[repinS]

I do KROWN rust control on mine. I dont like the other one rustcheck.

in most cases it will slow it down... not stop it.

thats my 2 cents worth

Krown is the good stuff, and to my knowledge the chain is only in Canada. I'm sure there is similar in the US - rustproofing shops that WILL drill holes into your car and use THIN oil that will drip everywhere for a couple weeks.

Here, you can bet that any time you see an old 1980's car that sees regular service yet is still rust free, it's been rustproofed with the thin stuff. The thick undercoats and sprays actually HOLD moisture.

[The_Maniac]

My Monte is parked outside and I don't do anything special to "rust proof" it (sits under cover and is on the driveway, part that never is salted).

My daily driver I will sometimes take to a pressure washer and wash the underside when the snow thaws a little. Sadly, the last year or two I have not been as dilligent as I should have and the car is showing it.

I've been tempted to spray oil engine oil on the underside (as I've heard of that as a good "shield" of the winter salts).

[BonneMe]

Mudflaps, huge difference!

[00Beast]

Mudflaps, huge difference!

This. Makes a big difference on my car. Got a set for the GXP for this winter.

[tripscarcare95]

Do a nice full detail on your car wax and all. Silicone on the door rubbers,

Get some rust proofing done on the under carriage

I have had Rustcheck done every year on my car and theres not a spot of rust, daily driver sleeps in a garage though

[yonkerse]

Hey guys,

Just stumped across this thread and had a couple questions regarding spraying oil on the frame and under carriage to help prevent rust..what do you guys use to spray it on? I'd imagine it's a pretty messy process, but i wont want my car rusting out either so its worth it..

My other question was possibly spraying WD40 or some other rust breaker lube...Would this be a decent idea or not? Welcome to any suggestions, just figured its easy enough to find and easy to spray...

[Bonneville92V688]

Wash the underside really good, seal all the body seams with a seam sealer, and have it undercoated. This was done to my neighbors 94 Intrepid, and it still looks brand new on the underside. He swore by it so much that it's done to all his cars. Sealing the seams makes a HUGE difference before undercoating.

Oh, and wash it a LOT. I washed my '92 SSEi every other day in the winter. It costs a bit, but it works.

[bonnevillain]

I just wash mine whenever we get a warm(ish) sunny day, and have no rust so far.

[95SLE]

A good sealant/wax combo and keeping it as salt and slush free as you possibly can is the best way to do it.

X2

If possible you might want to try a hybred wax that is a mix of SYN and Carnuba. There are some good ones out there but they do cost.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

DIY rustproofing: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub ... ost2042408

A case of Fluid Film is about $95, and is another choice. 6 cans will do one car, being obsessive where it's sprayed.

If you're near Canada and have a passport, Krown is hands-down the best and easiest solution. It's naturally the most expensive, at ~120 CAD per car.

[2000Silverbullet]

Mudflaps. Biggest you can fab or buy. Truck ones are best. Don't be shy. Wash it well once a week minimum.

[RJolly87]

Mudflaps. Biggest you can fab or buy. Truck ones are best. Don't be shy. Wash it well once a week minimum.

I vote for this response, but I really have no place to say anything in such matters