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Tips from Rowlett’s Experts to Avoid Body Rust in Your Mercedes

Posted on March 9, 2022 by rowlettmotwpuser
Mercedes Body Rust

Rust on a premium vehicle, especially one as beautiful as a Mercedes-Benz, is never a good thing. While it is not as frequent as it once was, these high-end automobiles are not immune to the effects of rust.

Steel that has been exposed to oxygen will rust at various rates, depending on the climate of the area as well as alloy components and the sort of heat treatment it receives to prevent degradation. In a couple of years, untreated raw sheet steel can rust through.

Unclean or salty water trapped in a Mercedes frame or pain will cause an exposed spot to rust more quickly. Road salts and other toxins dissolved in water are electrolytes. The exchange of molecular components is increased when electrolytes are introduced to the chemical process or rusting. This explains why vehicles in northern regions decay faster, where salt is utilized in the winter. Cars that spend a lot of time near the coast are also more susceptible to rust than other regions.

  • Whenever iron-based metals experience electrochemical degradation, rust is formed, in which iron surface molecules combine with oxygen in the atmosphere to generate a new molecule known as iron oxide, causing this breakdown.
  • Rust is made up of iron oxide. Unfortunately, iron is not particularly suitable for automobile construction, so steel alloys are commonly used today.
  • Steel is made by adding a small amount of carbon to iron, which improves its flexibility, tensile strength, and formability. This increased strength comes at a cost, as it introduces impurities that speed up the rusting process.

Types of Rust

Rust develops in stages, and understanding where a problem is in the process of decomposition will help you find the proper solution.

  • Surface Rust: The greatest surface rust on your Mercedes happens when the paint breaks down due to UV or mechanical damage, which is why it can happen even in dry, hot weather. Surface rust is not structurally problematic, and depending on the thickness of the metal and the alloy composition, a level of indifference can be achieved where the surface rust protects the metal from further oxidation. Surface rust is usually not a problem because the rust can be easily waxed off.
  • Scale Rust: This is a result of not correcting surface rust and allowing it to decompose and penetrate further into the metal. Scale removal comprises removing rust with a wire brush, removing roughness with a grinding wheel, and smoothing the surface with sandpaper.
  • Penetrating Rust: If left uncontrolled, rust will inevitably permeate the metal of your car. This is penetrating rust. This is the cause of fatal problems like weakened frames and suspension Do not wait for bubbles to be visible on your car’s body. Check underneath the car regularly for any compromised areas that could pose a safety issue on the road.

Preventing Body Rust

  • Rinsing and Drying: If you live near the ocean or have been driving in snowy weather with salt on the roads, give your car a brief rinse with water, including the undercarriage. A quick hose-down will keep the dirt and filth of the day from accumulating on your paintwork and rusting it. Do not forget to also give it a quick chamois rub at the end.
  • Keeping Your Car Dry: While parking your vehicle in a garage will help you protect it from the elements, you may want to take a step further to keep it rust-free. Using a dehumidifier to remove any moisture in the air after you have parked your car in a garage goes a long way.
  • Coating with Wax: A coat of wax will give your car’s paintwork a protective covering. You can also use a wax injection gun to reach regions where moisture is prone to accumulate over time.

Rowlett Motorwerks Will Assist You

Our mechanics at Rowlett Motorwerks believe in doing the work right the first time. We have worked Mercedes Body Wax on vehicles from Europe, the United States, and Asia for decades. As such, your Mercedes is not an exception. These cars all require customized service and maintenance regimens due to their high standards for performance, safety, and comfort. Our staff of skilled and trained mechanics makes it simple for you to receive the high-quality care that your vehicle requires.

We have been the go-to service shop for drivers all across the Rowlett region for years. The surrounding areas include Garland, Rockwall, Sachse, and Wylie, TX. To learn more or to schedule your car’s next appointment, please contact or visit our shop now. Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions you may have about locating the best service for your car.

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