Grease and spray used to be a common phrase heard in auto repair shops, even as late as the 1950s. After the lube and oil change, a mechanic would routinely spray oil on the leaf springs, chassis--and even the car owners if they stood too close. In those days, rusting was a serious problem in some areas. To reduce rusting, car dealer started selling a process called undercoating. A layer of light tar was sprayed on the undercarriage to shield the steel chassis rails and the underside of the floor sheet metal from direct exposure to the corrosive effects of road salt. The after-manufacture undercoating also helped quiet some of the road noise. Sometime in the late 70s, partly in responses to growing complaints of premature rusting in new cars, automakers found new technologies that would make it possible to greatly reduce the normal tendency of steel and sheet metal to rust. One of the earliest efforts was to dip the entire car frame and body in a powerful rust-inhibiting primer paint. That worked so well that carmakers moved on to electroplating the raw metal to reduce rust. Steel makers began to formulate metals that were highly resistant to corrosion. Increased use of fiberglass and plastic has further limited the ravages of rust. Technology has progressed to the point now where some car makers are offering a 1000,000-mile rust-proof guarantee. Yett the question remains among new car buyers. Should I have my car undercoated? While some automakers had no comment on the need for undercoating, the answer we received from several other and from experts in the field, pretty much echoed this statement found in a General Motors owner's manual: "Application of after manufacture rustproofing products may create an environment which reduces the corrosion resistance built into your vehicle. Repairs to correct damage caused by such application are covered under your GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty." In other words, undercoating your car could actually cause more rust. So, check with the manufacturer of your car before you spend the money on undercoating. |
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