How Rusted Car Parts Can Triple Your Repair Costs
At first glance, rusted car parts might look like a minor inconvenience, but they can dramatically escalate your vehicle’s repair costs if they’re left unchecked.
Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of these metal components and lead to higher labour charges, expensive replacement parts, and potential safety issues.
If you and your mechanic address rust in the early stages, you’ll be able to avoid costly complications and maintain your vehicle’s optimal performance.
Typical Bolts That Rust Easily on a Vehicle
First we should get an idea of which bolts on your vehicle are more prone to rust. Certain bolts are especially susceptible to rust because they are constantly exposed to moisture, road salt, and other harsh driving conditions.
Regularly inspecting the following bolts for rust can save you time and money.
- Brake system bolts
- Exhaust system bolts
- Suspension bolts
- Wheel lug nuts
- Frame and chassis bolts
- Engine mount bolts
- Transmission mount bolts
- Steering linkage bolts
- Shock absorber bolts
- Bumper bolts
The Financial Impact of Rusted Components
Even minor rust accumulation can quickly become a significant financial burden. Rust weakens car components and complicates repairs which forces mechanics to spend additional time disassembling affected areas.
This extra labour results in higher bills and makes rust prevention essential for keeping repair costs manageable.
Increased Labour Hours
When mechanics encounter rusted bolts and fittings, they have to spend extra time loosening or cutting through these corroded parts.
Time spent on removal due to corrosion means your vehicle remains in the shop longer and increases hourly labour charges.
Keep in mind that even a few additional hours of work can significantly inflate the total cost of the repair.
Replacement of Damaged Components
In some cases, rust can damage parts beyond repair, necessitating the need for complete replacement parts.
This includes components like brake rotors, exhaust systems, and suspension elements.
Replacing these parts is typically more expensive than simple preventive maintenance would be.
Safety Risks Associated with Rust
Aside from the financial concerns, rust can also cost severe safety risks. Rust can compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity and component reliability.
Ignoring rust could lead to vehicle failures during driving and pose numerous safety hazards for you and other road users.
As mechanics, we can attest to the numerous customers that have come into our shop with undone bolts and rusty parts that had made is highly unsafe to drive, and many of them were lucky they got to us in time.
Brake and Steering Failures
Regular inspection and timely replacement of brake and steering parts are essential to maintain safety.
Rust can severely impact braking efficiency by damaging the brake rotors, calipers, and lines.
For instance, rusted brake components can reduce stopping power and lead to catastrophic emergency braking situations.
Read How Tire Pressure Affects Vehicle Safety and Performance or Parts of a Car That Should Be Aligned or Inspected Yearly to understand the importance of tire and brake maintenance
Preventative Measures to Keep Rust at Bay
As a vehicle owner you can do your best to keep rust at bay.
Rust prevention does however, require some proactive measures but will maintain your vehicle’s and let you address any potential rust issues early.
Have Regular Inspections
Set up routine vehicle inspections with your mechanic to identify rust before it becomes a significant problem.
They’ll inspect vulnerable areas such as the undercarriage, wheel wells, and exhaust systems and together you can take note of any signs of early rust formation and promptly address them with rust inhibitors or sealants.
Ensure Proper Vehicle Storage
It’s a little known fact that vehicles that are stored outdoors and exposed to harsh weather conditions are more susceptible to rust. You can mitigate this by parking in a garage or using car covers when possible.
It’s also a good idea to wash your vehicle during winter months to remove corrosive salt and other chemicals that may have attached to it.
Preventative Measures to Help Keep Rust Away
These daily habits can help to reduce the likelihood of corrosive damage to your vehicle:
- Perform regular visual inspections.
- Wash your car often, particularly after salt has been spread.
- Apply annual rust-proofing treatments.
- Park in a covered or sheltered areas.
- Avoid parking on the grass or dirt for long periods of time.
Annual vehicle inspections are highly recommended in order to catch rust before it becomes costly.
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