How to Prevent Rust After Winter

As soon as salt trucks stop and the roads are consistently dry, book a proper underbody wash. Coin-operated wands with underbody nozzles work; drive-through 'undercarriage sprays' at gas station car washes are less effective. Rinse until the water running out is clear.

Walk around the vehicle and look at every panel edge, wheel well, door bottom and rocker for bubbling paint, orange stains, or blisters. Look inside wheel wells for exposed metal. Check the underbody for scaling or flaking beyond normal surface oxidation.

Bubbling or flaking paint should be addressed within the year — the longer it sits, the worse it gets. Even a small $300 cosmetic repair in April is far cheaper than a $2,000 structural repair two years later.

Late spring is a great time to rustproof — the vehicle is clean and dry, and the coating has months to cure before winter salt returns. Both oil sprays and rubberized coatings work; pick based on how long you plan to keep the vehicle and how much drip you can tolerate.