If you are concerned that the frame of your vehicle is beginning to rust, or if you are seeing symptoms that rust could be affecting the operation of your vehicle, it is important that you visit an auto body shop as soon as possible to evaluate the issue.
Rust will not go away on its own, and its effect on the frame of a vehicle can significantly impact the safety and long-term function of your car if the problem is not treated quickly and thoroughly.
The Purpose Of An Auto Frame In A Vehicle
A vehicle’s frame is one of its most important components; the frame serves the same function as a skeleton in humans, providing support and structure on which the rest of the body rests.
While older cars rested on top of a frame, modern cars are built such that the frame and the car are structured together. This means that if damage to the frame occurs, the entire vehicle’s safety and function could be compromised.
This may mean the vehicle no longer achieves a good seal when you shut a door. It may mean experiencing drift while driving or the car rattling or grinding. It may mean a misshaped or damaged frame must be repaired quickly to prevent any dangers while operating the vehicle.
Compromised vehicle frames cause issues that range from sudden steering problems to lack of safe crumpling during an accident.
Understanding Types of Rust
Most people associate rust with the flaky brown or reddish substance that grows on metal surfaces. It’s more formal name is iron oxide, and it is not as harmless as it may look.
Left untreated, surface rust will become more severe and begin to eat into the metal of the car.
At its most advanced stage, called penetrative rust, the reaction between oxygen and metallic surfaces can become so severe that it eats holes into your vehicle, compromising its structural integrity.
How To Repair A Rusted Auto Frame
The method for repairing a rusted auto frame will depend upon the severity of the rust and how deeply it has penetrated.
Surface rust can typically be sanded away with a wire wheel brush; if you choose to attempt this repair yourself, do not forget to wear a mask and protective eyewear to keep rust particles out of your eyes and to avoid breathing them in.
P80 grit sandpaper is the next best step for any rust that remains. If holes have been discovered during the process, they can be filled with screen wire before applying body filler. However, damage to your frame may mean that more significant repairs are necessary.
If your vehicle’s frame has been compromised due to holes or warping, the repair process may be more complex, and it will typically require tools that the average enthusiast does not possess.
If the frame is warped or bent as a result of a rust-weakened frame bearing the weight and force of the vehicle over time, an experienced auto body shop can use hydraulic equipment and chains to bend it back into shape.
Similarly, they may also have access to professional laser measuring equipment that will ensure that the frame is restored to its proper shape, improving the function of your vehicle.
Because an automobile’s frame is one of its most important features when considering the function and safety of the vehicle, it is wise to leave rust repair that affects the frame to a skilled auto body and rust repair shop.
Failure to adequately remove existing rust and prevent future occurrences could result in continued damage to the car’s frame, which may lead to an increased risk of damage to both the car and its driver in the event of an accident.
With the frame not functioning optimally due to rust, the car may suddenly pull to one side while steering, and it may not be as resilient during planned crumpling should a collision occur.
Work With The Experts On Repairing A Rusted Auto Frame
Whether you have just noticed rust on your vehicle’s frame and need assistance removing it or you have attempted to fix the problem and would like a second opinion, be sure to work with an auto body shop that has years of experience in rust removal and auto frame repair.
The professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to carefully examine the condition of your vehicle and offer guidance on possible repairs and costs. They can discuss with you how to safely continue to operate your vehicle for as long as possible.
Reach out to schedule an appointment with a rust repair and auto frame expert to discuss your rust concerns and develop a strategy for tackling them affordably and quickly.