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How can I protect my wheel wells from getting rusty?
I just bought a used car. It’s in great shape, but I found a few tiny rust spots on the wheel wells. How can I protect them and stop further rust?
Heather Bernhard · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on the new car! It’s great to find a
used
vehicle in nice shape. Don’t worry about those little rust spots—it’s easy to protect your wheel wells from rust. Vehicles are prone to rust, and the damage often starts in wheel wells. This is because it’s an often overlooked area of the car—and one that’s prone to getting quite dirty.
Next time you wash your car, take these measures to prevent rust in your wheel wells:
- Lift your car with a jack and wash inside the wheel wells with a pressure washer or high-pressure hose nozzle—pay special attention to the brake rotors
- Use an all-purpose cleaner to remove any stuck-on debris, including insects, sap, and tar
- Apply a water-repellant or an undercarriage spray once the wells are dry
You can also have a professional apply a rubberized undercoating or an oil, wax, or tar-based coating. Just remember that even if you get professional rust-proofing, it’s wise to supplement them with your own preventative measures.
If you live in a coastal area or an area where it frequently
snows
, make undercarriage maintenance a routine. Salt—both in the air and on the ground—can cause serious damage. Taking physical preventative measures is a great way to care for your car. Another way to protect it (and your assets) is with the right
car insurance
. If you have questions about your coverage, Jerry’s friendly agents are here to provide advice on the best options. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and
Jerry
is ready to make those adjustments for you.
MORE: How to properly maintain your car
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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