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How to Clean Tiny Rust Spots on Your Car
A few parts and areas of your car are constantly exposed to air. As you know, when bare metal is exposed to air, that might end up in tiny rust spots on the car body.
Cleaning these tiny rust spots on a car can be messy if you don’t know how to deal with it. If you’re stuck around this problem, we’ve brought up a set of steps to help you out.
Take a few minutes of a break from whatever you are doing for your car rust treatment and go through the entire article…
Why Do These Tiny Rust Spots Form on Your Car?
As we’ve said before, bare metal is likely to undergo a chemical reaction with the oxygen in the air. Parts like the car bumper and body are constantly exposed, causing oxidation and eventually rust. To tackle this problem, all you need is a set of chemicals like grease and the proper procedure. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Identify the Spots
First, you need to locate the areas where rust has occurred. There are two or three categories of rust, with penetrating rust being the worst.
If you see rust creating holes on the metal surface, it’s likely penetrating rust.
Step 2: Wash the Affected Area
The rust-affected area needs to be washed. You may use car soap, water, and a mild sponge to scrub it off.
Mix the car soap with a bit of water, rub it on the affected area, and scrub with a sponge scrubber. The rust should start to come off. Rinse the area thoroughly afterward. Here are a few safety tips:
- Protect yourself from metal flakes that come off with the rust.
- Scrub gently to avoid damaging the car's paint.
Step 3: Prepare the Area for Painting
Once the rust is gone, you need to repaint the area to match the rest of the body. Tape off any sections you don’t want to be painted. Painter's tape can help lift additional rust particles and adhesive residue.
Step 4: Learn the Color Code of Your Car
To paint the repaired area, know your car's color code. You can find it on the body or check the manufacturer's website.
Step 5: Color the Area You’ve Worked On
Buy the necessary primers and base paints that match your car's color code. A rust cleaning spray may suffice for smaller areas, but larger spots might need professional help.
How Many Types of Rust Are There?
We’ve mentioned three kinds of rust that can develop on a car body:
1. Surface Rust
This is the first stage of rust development, appearing as tiny, reddish spots on the metal surface.
2. Scale Rust
This is an intermediate stage that develops if surface rust is ignored for too long. It can be more challenging to remove, especially if widespread.
3. Penetrating Rust
The most severe type, penetrating rust creates holes and can cause permanent damage. It's best addressed by a mechanic.
Bottom Line
Car rust is common for any car owner. If you have mild rusty spots, there's no need to panic. Proper cleaning and treatment can resolve the issue. For severe cases, consult a mechanic or car professional.
–For more information, tips, and resources on battery maintenance, visit Car Care Lab or check out our dedicated section on Accessories.