The average cost of a family car plus taxes, MOT, repairs, fuel and insurance is almost the same as monthly mortgage repayments. For this reason there is more incentive to care for our car as we are more likely to want to keep it for longer. Most of us spend a fair amount of our time in our car and put a lot of trust in it expecting the motor to start each time we put the key in the ignition and to give us a trouble-free journey. We, therefore need to ensure our car gets the right routine care and treatment to ensure the longevity of our investment. Rust can happen anywhere, not just in harsh snowy or humid conditions. Rust prevention is easy with proper car care.

There are many different elements of nature that will do harm by weakening your car's finish and allowing rust to start if not cared for whether as a result of gritted roads, snow, ocean air, industrial fallout, acid rain or road debris. The metal on your car is protected by a coating of paint and primer. Rust is caused by a loss of electrons in the metal and can occur as soon as the paint coating is damaged.

A once monthly or bimonthly car care regime, which includes a good clean and wax has been shown to protect and strengthen the paint work as well as give your car rust protection. By washing your car you remove contaminates (including bird droppings) that may damage the paint. Polishing or applying wax helps to seal out moisture and also acts as a barrier between environmental conditions and your cars paint work.

If you notice a scratch or chip that goes through the paint make sure you treat it properly. Buy matching touch-up paint (most auto parts stores and dealers will have this matching paint or can get it for you). Use a toothpick to get the paint in the scratch and not all around it. Completely cover any exposed metal. Then apply a clear coat touch up paint for best protection. This will seal out moisture and prevent rust from occurring. Clear nail polish to cover the exposed metal will also work.

If rust has set in, then the rust spot must be sanded down and exposed. It should then be treated with a rust treatment, which will chemically react with the rust changing its chemical and electrostatic properties. The affected area then needs to be sanded down, a primer coat applied and  painted.

It is not just the visible parts of your car that need routine care, but the undercarriage is just as important. Applying rust protection will prevent the onset of rust particularly during the winter months when vehicles are exposed to a harsher conditions on the roads. By protecting the underbody of your car you are sealing it from the elements, but it will also quieten the ride.

A good care care routine will protect it from the onset of rust and add more life to your vehicle.