How to Handle Rust On Your Used Car

Rust on used vehicles is a common problem, especially in colder areas of the country where road salt and other chemical products are used to melt ice on the road. Whether you purchased a used car that already had a bit of surface rust on it or your vehicle developed some rust over time, rust can become a safety issue if you don’t take care of it. 

Here at Thompson Sales, we want you to be safe on the road and drive a safe car. So here are a few tips to help you deal with rust.

Is rust okay on a used car?

It depends on where the rust is.

Although most modern cars are designed to not have issues with rust, older used vehicles may still develop some rust. Surface rust is a cosmetic issue that can chip a car’s paint. This type of rust is fairly common. However, rust that isn’t taken care of promptly will eat through a car’s metal frame, producing holes and damaging the body of the car. This is a dangerous problem because it affects the car’s structural integrity.

How much rust is too much on a used car?

A used car with surface rust can easily be repaired and driven safely but any type of structural rust (especially in a car’s body panels) is a major red flag.

How do I remove rust on a used car?

If you’re thinking about buying a used vehicle with a bit of surface rust or your car has developed some surface rust, you can repair it. But it will require several tools, materials, and the right skills to do the job well. 

• First, you’ll need to use fine-grit sandpaper or a razor blade to remove the rust from the car.
• Next, you should treat the area with a spray-on rust inhibitor and apply primer.
• Lastly, you should cover up the affected area with touch-up paint (ideally that perfectly matches the color of your car). You can purchase this paint from auto parts stores, automotive paint suppliers, or car dealers.

If you’ve never fixed rust on a car before or your car has large areas of rust, removing the rust correctly will require quite a bit of skill and you may want to consider hiring a mechanic to do the work for you. That way, you know the job is done right the first time around. Proper and consistent car maintenance can also help you avoid any further damage caused by rust. 

You can talk to Thompson Sales’ body shop for more information on having your car’s body rust taken care of.

Related Post: Thompson Sales Explains a Basic Car Maintenance Schedule

Shop For a Used Car at Thompson Sales

If you’re in the market for a used car, Thompson Sales has an extensive selection of high-quality vehicles to choose from on East Independence in Springfield. Stop by today to browse our lot. You can also reach out by phone at (417) 763-6811 or contact us online.