Best Undercoating For Trucks

Remembering that the undercarriage of your truck comes into contact with substances such as water, chemicals, and other debris on the road, there is a need for an undercoat. When you get one of the best undercoatings for trucks, cars, and SUVs, you will be able to preserve your vehicle’s value.

Your vehicle is subject to rust, corrosion, but if you rust proof or undercoat, you will be able to protect it from rust and corrosion. What you will need to remember is that, even if you are driving the vehicle, on terrains which are rough, things like dirt, rocks, road debris, and salt are capable to end up in the undercarriage of your vehicle and cause a lot of tear and wear.

Here are some of what I consider to be able to some of the best undercoating

Comparison Of Vehicle Undercoating

Vehicle Undercoating Reviews

1. Dynatron 544 Dyna Rubberized Coating

2. POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating

3. Rubberized Undercoating 3M 03584

It is a rubberized coating which provides protection that is durable and sounds deadening properties through sealing small holes, cracks, and undulations of a carriage that is old. It is going to create a barrier which is protective to seal out moisture, grit, and grime, which are the three elements which cause corrosion and rust on metal components.

4. Permatex 81833 – 12PK Rubberized Undercoating

5. Rust-Oleum 248656 Rubberized Undercoating

6. Automotive Spray On Rubberized Coating

7. CRC Industries Rubberized Undercoating

Difference Between Rust-Proofing And Undercoating

1. Undercoating

It refers to the sprayed application of rubber or wax based composite onto the vehicle’s underside. It is there to be able to create a rustproof layer between the vehicle’s underside and the ice, water, and the road’s salt.

To apply for an undercoat on your vehicle, it will only take one day as long as you have enough time to do the application of the coating to ensure that it dries fully and adhere to the vehicle.

With time, the layer will be worn down, meaning that, a vehicle which is in a climate with a lot of rain, salt, and slush hitting its underside needs to be undercoated at least after every few years to make sure that, it is fully protected.

2. Rust Proofing

When it comes to rust proofing, the emphasis is on the aspect of proofing. Different from the undercoating process which is location specific, focusing on the chassis and underside of the vehicle, rust proofing tends to be treatment specific of areas around the vehicle where rust is capable of claiming a foothold initially.

The process of rust proofing involves being able to spray wax which is protective on various areas of the vehicle with a focus on areas that have been affected by chipping or where moisture might accumulate.

It can be applied to rocker panels, vehicle fenders, panels for the upper body, tailgates and pinch weld points as well as the surfaces which are in the interior of the vehicle’s doors or hood.

Just like undercoating, the process can be carried rapidly using techniques which are modern. But depending on the model of your vehicle, the exact time will vary. When you target specific areas where rust might attack the vehicle, you will be able to be at peace, knowing that you have applied protective measure and thus, moisture will not affect your vehicle.

Different Types Of Vehicle Undercoating

When you have undercoating professionally applied to your vehicle, it might cost you a lot of money. And in case you are under a tight budget, you have an option of doing it yourself for a cheaper amount. Here are some of the various undercoating types that you should be aware of:

1. Rubberized Undercoating

This is very easy to apply and it is one which will offer you with a sound cushioning as well as moisture, dust, and dents or dings protection. In addition to your undercarriage, the rubberized undercoating tends to be safe to use on quarter panels and wheel wells, and normally dries to a finish of soft rubber. 

This is one which prevents further damage, rust, or moisture seeps. You can paint the coating over and if necessary for bodyworks, you can remove it using an undercoating spray remover. It might be the best option when it comes to protecting the undercarriage of your vehicle due to the fact that, it will provide you with the best and simplest protective measures as far as moisture and rust are concerned. 

2. Polyurethane Undercoating

It is a method of undercoating which is easier and quicker to apply. It mostly comes in canisters for you to upload into the application gun. It works by seeping into seams and cracks, displacing moisture and salt, and oozing around areas which are rusty to bond with and be able to protect metals which are not oxidized.

It is able to easily sand in case you are in need of performing body works and can be easily painted over. For it to work well, it requires some surface work before you apply it. This means that you will need to do some sanding and etching primer application to metals which are bare before you use it. 

3. Paraffin or Wax Based Undercoating

This could be the quickest and cheapest option which is available for you to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle. But you will need to remember that, it is one which wears off quickly as compared to other types of undercoating. 

This means that you will need to reapply and be stripped at least on a yearly basis.  It is an undercoating which rarely hardens. When you are applying, it will flow or drip into cracks and seams to provide properties for protection. You will find them in spray gun canisters or in cans of aerosol. It offers basic protection when you are in climates which are moderately humid. 

4. Asphalt-Based Undercoating

For vehicles of standard capacity, any of the above-mentioned methods will be able to offer them with undercarriage protection. But for heavy machinery and large trucks, the asphalt-based undercoating might be the one which will offer them with strong durability against moisture, chips, and rocks.

It contains a little of rubberized material which will be able to set up a firm cover and soften noise. Most of the time, you will find it sold in 5-gallon containers. It requires more cure time as compared to the other methods. It is not paintable and thus, might be the best for use for the undercarriage coating.

Vehicle Undercoating Pros and Cons

Rustproofing and undercoating are some of the ways which you can utilize to protect and care for the undercarriage of your vehicle. Even if where you live is a warm place where ice melting chemicals and salt are not present, it is just important that you protect your car, truck, or SUVs undercarriage from rust and corrosion.

Although you can use the terms interchangeably, rust proofing goes to the inside of the vehicle while the undercoating applies to your vehicle’s exterior. If you are not sure of what you want to do, ask where the application is going to happen.

There is a need for all the parts of the vehicle to be able to work in harmony to make sure that, you are safe during your driving experience. It is easy to forget that the elements exist and that is where the undercoating of the vehicle comes in handy.

1. Pros Of Undercoating Your Vehicle

• A layer of protection against corrosion is provided: When you apply an undercoat to your vehicle, then you are automatically giving it a protective layer against corrosion and rust. The undercoat is what the debris will encounter and not the vehicle’s metal components.
• Your vehicle’s life will be extended: A proper undercoat will automatically extend the life of your vehicle as it will stop the power of rust. When corrosion happens, apart from affecting the integrity of the metals in your vehicle, it will get into the cables and wires; everything that is aluminum, steel, and any metal part.
• It can be applied to areas which are already damaged:  Modern undercoat will be able to provide a layer of protection which is real as it will be able to morph into the areas that have been damaged. These are undercoats which are wax based and thus, create a live barrier to promote an experience of self-healing.
• It can be self-applied: It is best to do undercoating professionally, but if you are hard on cash, then you can do it yourself.
• Various undercoating methods to choose from: There are about four undercoating methods to select from and thus, freedom of choice.
• The services might be able to help with the insurance cost: The risk is what determines the insurance of your vehicle. When you apply an undercoat, the premiums might go down
• It might reduce interior noise: When you apply a layer of undercoating, it is able to create a noise barrier, giving you a quieter interior.

2. Cons Of Vehicle Undercoating

• The corrosion which is already there will remain: You have to ensure that you apply the undercoating before the corrosion happens as it doesn’t help in erasing it.
• It is good when applied to new cars: If you get an old car, then the cost of doing the undercoating might be higher as compared to a new car. The best time to do an undercoating is when you purchase a new car as that is the only time it will give you a high level of protection.
• It takes 5 years and above for corrosion to show: If you are the type of person who purchases a vehicle after between 3 to 5 years, then undercoating might be a waste of your money. Though it will add value to your used car when you are selling it, it might not be worth the struggle.
• Your vehicle’s warranty might be voided if you use a third party undercoating service: Some vehicles currently on the market don’t require undercoating because that is already done by the manufacturer. If you decide to redo it using a third party, you might end up voiding the warranty of your vehicle.
• The vehicle becomes weighty:  Although the weight added is between 10 to 20 pounds, the fuel economy might be affected greatly. This means that your fuel cost is likely to go up with the undercoating.
• It is not impervious to damage: Though it provides a hardened layer against debris and dirt which might cause corrosion, its lifespan might be minimal depending on your locality.
• It has to be reapplied after every 3 to 5 years: For the undercoat to provide long-lasting protection, you have to keep on reapplying it frequently.

How To Undercoating Your Trucks And Cars (Step By Step Guide)

There is a need for you to undercoat your car with the right techniques, steps, and the right products. It is important you protect the undercarriage of your vehicle to avoid them from dying on you before the body wears out.

Although it would be best to leave the work to the professionals, if you are under the budget, you can do it on your own by following this guide of mine:

• You will have to start with cleaning the surface. If for some time you have been driving your car in the winter without giving it a thorough underside wash, you can use a power wash together with an angle of 90 degrees to ensure that, your car gets a great wash and that all the dirt and debris are washed away.
• Ensure that you use a proper stand for the jack to lift the car up. Double check the stand before you go inside it. Put a drop cloth under the car just in case you experience oil drips.
• Once the car is lifted, ensure that you remove the wheels to avoid over spraying and to be able to get full access to the wells of the wheels. Make sure that the underbody is dry using a terry towel, a few fans, and compressed air so that there is no presence of moisture.
• When you are doing the drying, do some inspection to the areas for rust especially on electrical connectors which are sensitive, exhausts or areas that normally get hot. You can tape or wire brushes them before you start applying any coating.
• Any electrical area will need to be taped to ensure that, they are not covered with the coating. This is because it will be a hard task to replace or remove parts in case you need them in the future. The coating is to cover the chassis and the metals alone.
• Ensure that you brush off all the old flaking paint and any oxidation so that you end up with a solid bond when you coat. Wear safety glasses and take your time to do this as it is an important stage.
• If your undercarriage is rusty, use a rust primer to coat the surface which is oxidized before you start the undercoat using a sprayer to ensure that it dries faster.
• If you are using rubberized undercoating, use a larger front end sprayer so that thicker viscosity of primer is accommodated
• When spraying thicker liquids, slow your hands. Whether you are using an electric sprayer or spray can, you have to stay at least 6 to 8 inches away.
• After one full coat, let it dry first, and then add the second coating. The time duration between the two coatings should be around 30 minutes. Ensure that you read the label of the product for the time it takes to dry as it is different with different liquids.

That is all. But if you stay in a place with salt, snow, and other chemicals, there will be a need to do an oil undercoating to all lines, fittings, bolts and other metal parts. Though it is an old school method, it is highly effective.

FAQs

1. Will Undercoating Stop Rust?

Rustproofing and undercoating are capable of ensuring that rust and corrosion are stopped. It is something which is important for your vehicle’s undercarriage as it comes in contact with things such as chemicals, water, and other debris and dirt. If you don’t provide it with some sort of protection, your vehicle’s bottom will corrode and rust, leading to some parts failing.

2. Will Undercoating Reduce Road Noise?

Yes. When you spray rubberized undercoating, it will reduce the noise underneath your vehicle. But ensure that, you do the undercoating the right way.

3. Is Udercoating A New Vehicle Necessary?

It might not be necessary for new models of cars. Undercoating is meant to protect the undercarriage and that one of the add on features most dealership do to new cars.

Most of the modern cars which were manufactured after 2006 have been steel galvanized thus reducing the risk of rusting. When steel is galvanized, it has a zinc coating which doesn’t react to oxygen the way iron does, thereby allowing for added protection.

4. Do It Yourself Truck Undercoating?

It is possible to do it yourself especially if you are under a tight budget. It is a simple process and though it is recommended that you utilize the service of a professional, DIY can still work.

Conclusion 

When you get the best undercoating for your vehicle, it will be a good investment. Whether you will use your vehicle in outdoor activities, harsh weather, or just for extra protection, it will do you good.  Ensure that, you take your time before you settle for what you think is best for your type of vehicle. You can start by checking out what I have reviewed in this article and see if you will get one that will meet you at your point of need. There are several in the market and you might get confused and overwhelmed and this article is just to make your shopping for the best undercoat to be easier and enjoyable. Remember that, not all undercoats are created equally but if you are able to get one with power and the features that work for you, then get it.

Source:

1. https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/vehicle-undercoatings-t.aspx
2. https://greengarageblog.org/14-vehicle-undercoating-pros-and-cons

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