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The Best Rust Prevention Sprays For Cars

Last updated on July 27, 2023
 

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Best Rust Prevention Sprays For Cars

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Rust Prevention Sprays For Cars

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

BOESHIELD T-9 Loosening Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 12-Ounce

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

BOESHIELD

T-9 Loosening Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 12-Ounce

You'll want to keep a can of this rust prevention spray for cars on hand. It works well for a wide variety of items, including your tools, bicycles, automobiles and boats. The spray cleans away dirt, while adding a protective layer that repels moisture.

Overall Take

Most VersatileIn addition to metal, you can use this rust prevention spray for cars on plastic and vinyl.

 Runner Up

Rust-Oleum 248656 Pro-Grade Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 15-Ounce

Rust-Oleum

Pro-Grade Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 15-Ounce

This rust prevention spray for car is perfect for just about any type of vehicle, including trailers and RVs. It's professional grade and easy to apply. You can go wrong with a drying time of just 1 hour either. One can will cover up to 15 square feet.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalWhen shopping on a budget, this rust prevention spray for cars is an excellent option.

 We Also Like

VHT SP229 Black Metal Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 10.25-Ounce

VHT

Black Metal Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 10.25-Ounce

This rust prevention spray for cars goes on completely clear and then turns into a black metal. It also prevents future rust from forming on rocker panels and other metal surfaces, and can be sanded down for a smooth, even finish.

Overall Take

Neutralizes on ContactInstantly improve the look of your vehicle with this rust convertor spray.

 Strong Contender

Fluid Film Non-Toxic Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 6-Pack

Fluid Film

Non-Toxic Rust Prevention Spray For Cars, 6-Pack

No matter what type of metal you're working with, you'll want to use this rust prevention spray to keep it corrosion-free. The aerosol can makes the spray easy to distribute, even if you're working with something as large as an automobile or a boat. As an added bonus, this formula also doubles as a lubricant.

Overall Take

Powerful FormulaThis rust prevention spray for cars won't crack or freeze, which means you can use it in the cold winter months.

Buying Guide

Nothing ruins a car faster than rust. Once you find it, the problem can be too far gone to repair. Though auto manufacturers use modern materials and test and treat them, vehicles are still vulnerable to rust.

There are three main types of rust prevention car sprays: tar-based, drip oil and dripless. Tar-based sprays, also known as undercoating, are sprayed onto the exposed parts in the car’s underbody, and in wheel wells and floor pans. These form strong shields, but they can crack.

Drip oil sprays are applied through holes that are first drilled into the vehicle’s body. This is the most common kind of car rust-proofing, but it needs to be done once a year.

The third type, dripless oil sprays, are more similar to tar-based ones. These also harden after you spray them on. As with drip sprays, though, holes still need to be drilled in the vehicle before applying.

Car owners can pay for rust prevention services when purchasing their vehicles. This may already be included in the initial purchase cost. Rust proofing can also be done at a body shop, and can cost anywhere from $125 to $150. Another option is to buy the spray and do it yourself. Most can make wide or narrow sprays, because they come with interchangeable nozzles. Some leave sticky films, while others dry faster, but all are cheaper than taking a car to the shop.

Rust conversion sprays are different, and are used on existing rust. These aerosol sprays convert rust into black coatings, which can then be primed and painted with oil-based top coats. Read the instructions carefully, as you may also have to sand the finish after the spray is applied.

What to Look For

  • Since tar-based sprays can crack, the vehicles should be inspected at least once a year.
  • Drip oil sprays can be messy, so you may not want to apply them when the vehicle is in the driveway, otherwise you may see oil stains.
  • If using rust converter spray, first remove the loose rust with a wire brush. You don’t want to paint over that.

More to Explore

The words “rust” and “corrosion” are often used interchangeably, and the process starts when water and oxygen meet on the metal surface. That said, they aren’t the same process.

Rust develops slowly, but it does spread consistently when not checked. As a matter of fact, any piece of iron will turn completely into rust if it is not protected. In most cases, rust prevention is more a fight to slow its spread rather than an attempt to stop it completely.

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