Undercoating

[NS_Stinger]

Anybody opt for the black undercoating that the dealer offers at purchase that will be driving htis car in the winter? I've never done it on my past cars but I plan to winter drive this car more than my past cars and I live in an area where they salt the roads heavily. I'm curious to what you guys think of that stuff and if it's worth doing or not.

 

[mldavis2]

NO! Extra-profit scam. Undercoating (we used to use Quaker State at my dealership before I refused to apply it) is a petroleum-based tar-like compound that is sprayed on the undercarriage. The fender liners on all modern cars are plastic and will not rust. All metal body components are electro-plated and will not rust unless the coating is removed or damaged. What happens with undercoating is that it continues to dry out as the more volatile organic solvents evaporate and it eventually will crack. When that happens, water and moisture (and salt) can get under the undercoating in the cracks and does not dry out as it should. Undercoating actually promotes rusting. Most owner's manual advise against any undercoating and it may in fact void your body warranty against rust. It also adds unnecessary weight to the car. My 13-year old GTO has no signs of corrosion of any kind and it has had nothing but normal washing and a spring spray to remove any salt that may be hiding.

 

[Volvowith18psi]

My mom bought a UC that wasn't a tar type. I tried to warn against it, but in PA the roads really turn to shit in the winter and I started researching it myself because my Optima from awhile back did indeed get rust.

What are your thought on the non-tar type? Still snake oil?

 

[mldavis2]

I just sent a message to Kia regarding their policy on undercoating and the anti-perforation warranty coverage. I'll report back when I hear something. No mention of it in the warranty manual.

 

[eflyguy]

NO! Extra-profit scam.

This..

Edit: if a manufacturer provides a warranty against corrosion, wouldn't they have applied it if they felt it was necessary?

 

[mldavis2]

All cars carry a rust warranty, without exception as far as I know. Undercoating is both unnecessary and can cause more problems that it allegedly solves. Still no feedback from Kia on my question ....

 

[moinmoin]

what you guys think

What I think is based on 20 years of experience with my F150?

It all depends on how long do you intend to keep the vehicle you intend to purchase (But it will also enhance your chances when you are selling it. You will likely recoup what you spent on the service plus the car will be in a better condition).

In Nova Scotia and Ontario, road salt is a way of life in the winter.
I had my truck rust proofed at RustCheck shortly after delivery and once every year after.
The cost is now about $130.00 with tax. Every year. Beats any visit to the body shop. But as I said, it depends how long you want to keep the car/truck.
My mechanic wants to buy the truck if I ever were to sell it. There are no rusted through body panels, no rust around the wheel openings, bottom of the doors, corners of the cab, all the spots you notice on old trucks. I have none of those.
The only rust I had was around the windshield, and that area never gets rust proofed by any applicator, because they can't get into the frame.
The dealership offer is usually a one-time application. What I am talking about is an annual application.
It seeps into crevices, protects brake and fuel lines, makes the vehicles safer and quieter because of its oily consistency - it's not engine oil! Any drips will not hurt you driveway.
Google RustCheck or Krown Rust Control. Whatever is more convenient and easier on the wallet. They are both good.
If it's right for you, go for it, absolutely.
I know, I will.

 

[bumble bee]

All the cars i had never had issues, that I needed undercoating.