Rust starts small enough to overlookâa tiny bubble under the paint or a little discoloration around a wheel well may not seem urgent, but ignoring rust doesn't make it stay put. Once corrosion progresses beyond the surface, repairing the affected area can become much more complicated and expensive. Having a Bob Weaver Collision pro inspect rust and damaged paint early can help you determine what you're dealing with and what it will take to repair it.
Key Takeaways
- Road salt and moisture cause exposed metal to corrode over time.
- Surface rust becomes deeper damage if you ignore it for too long.
- When in doubt, contact the pros at Bob Weaver with your rust questions!
Why Do Pennsylvania Winters Make Rust Worse?
Rust damage on cars when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture. Road salt and other products used to treat icy roads can speed up that process, making winter particularly tough on Pennsylvania vehicles.
When a vehicle's protective finish has been compromised, a stone chip, scratch, ding, or other minor collision can expose the metal underneath the paint. Once moisture and salt reach that area, corrosion begins to develop. The underside of your vehicle is also vulnerable. Wheel wells, rocker panels, suspension components, and other areas close to the road are routinely exposed to salty winter slush.
What Happens If You Ignore a Small Rust Spot?
Not all rust represents the same level of damage. Surface rust caught early can be relatively easy to address. If corrosion continues, however, the metal begins to flake and deteriorate. Eventually, penetrating rust creates holes in body panels.
That's why waiting turns a minor cosmetic problem into a much larger body repair. And if rust reaches a car's structural components, it can affect its integrity, making it unsafe to drive.
Can You Help Prevent Rust During a PA Winter?
According to CarFax, regularly washing your vehicle is one of the simplest ways to limit its exposure to road salt. An underbody wash also helps remove salt and grime from the frame. Pay attention to paint damage, too. Chips and scratches provide potential openings for moisture to reach the metal beneath the finish.
When Should Bob Weaver Collision Look at the Damage?
If you've spotted bubbling paint, visible rust, scratches, chips, or deteriorating body panels, you don't have to guess how serious the problem is. Bob Weaver Collision can inspect the damage and determine what type of repair is appropriate.
The Pottsville collision center handles rust damage and paint touch-ups as well as repairs to fenders, quarter panels, hoods, trunks, and structural components. Factory-matched paint can also restore repaired areas once the damaged metal has been addressed.
Don't Give Rust A Chance in Pennsylvania Winter
Since you now know that rust becomes more difficult to repair as it progresses, another season of wet, salty Pennsylvania roads isn't going to do an affected area any favors.
If you're seeing the first signs of corrosion or already have noticeable body damage, bring your vehicle to Bob Weaver Collision in Pottsville for an assessment. Catching the problem now can give you a chance to address the damage before another winter helps it spread.