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How long does it take for a car to rust?
I’m studying overseas for the semester and my parents offered to let me store my car in their driveway. I’m worried that it will rust since it’s uncovered. How much time needs to pass before a car rusts?
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on your acceptance to the overseas program! As far as your car, don’t stress too much over the next six months. The exterior is mostly made of steel which means that, it could start to rust in as little as four to five days. However, this is extremely rare. Unless the vehicle paint has already been scratched or damaged in places or the car is already old, a few months shouldn’t make a huge difference.
However, some climates will cause your car to rust more quickly than others; if you live near the ocean, for example, the salty air will cause the car to rust much more quickly than it might in, say, a desert environment.
You can take a few steps to prevent your car from rusting quickly, including:
- Investing in a high-quality car cover.
- Washing your car right before you leave and, if possible, asking your parents to wash your car while you’re gone. If your car is dirty, rust accumulates more quickly.
- Use an anti-rust spray like Rustoleum on places where rust is already present.
- Wax your car before you leave to protect the paint from rust as well as sun exposure.
- Store your carwhile you’re gone if at all possible.
Preserving the exterior of your car is a great way to retain the value of your vehicle and protect it from future damage. So why not use the
Jerry
app to make sure it’s protected from other types of damage, too? Just download the app and answer a few questions to see a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best car insurance policies across more than 50 providers. Jerry will even handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your policy choice so that you don’t have to!View full answer
- 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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