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Rust is a yearlong preoccupation for most Canadians. With major temperature changes, a wet climate (that includes acid rain), and an abundance of salt on the roads, conditions are ripe for our vehicles to corrode all the way to the tiniest recesses.
Steel remains pleasantly rust-free in dry climates, so you need either to move to some place like Arizona or take all the necessary actions to minimize the effects of moisture -- none more important than a rustproofing treatment. Whether you pick oil or grease, the main point is to use a quality product and apply it thoroughly. Of course, your best bet is to let a professional handle the work, which is covered by a warranty.
Oil-based treatments
About an hour is all it takes to fully spray a vehicle with oil. High pressure helps the liquid spread across every surface, and down into every crack. However, oil tends to run and, therefore, can eventually be washed away or contaminated, so regular applications are required (ideally once a year). Oil-based treatments usually range from $80-$150, depending on the type of vehicle being treated.
Note that specialized shops use higher-quality oil that won't run or drip as much. Eco-friendly oils are also available.
Grease-based treatments
Thicker than oil, grease is better at fighting moisture. Consequently, reapplications or touch-ups take far less time, and are only necessary every two or three years (although the underside of the vehicle should still be treated annually). On the other hand, grease-based treatments can require up to five hours and cost anywhere between $400 and $700 for a first, complete application.
Other basics to know
Every vehicle should be treated for rust, including new ones. Sure, they've all received the manufacturer's treatment before coming out of the assembly plant, but don't wait a few winters before you protect your car; an annual treatment is always the smartest thing to do.
Dealers also offer their own rustproofing treatment to new car buyers. However, most of them don't use the same specialized products, tools and processes as rustproofing experts.
Warranty
Some companies and shops offer lifetime warranties on their rustproofing products and services, as long as your car gets an annual treatment. These warranties apply to both new and used models that are typically no more than three years old and have clocked fewer than 60,000 kilometres.
In any case, keep your receipts to prove to your future buyer that the vehicle has regularly been treated for rust.
Bottom line: A rustproofing treatment is fairly cheap when you consider the pretty expensive repairs it can save you down the road.
Steel remains pleasantly rust-free in dry climates, so you need either to move to some place like Arizona or take all the necessary actions to minimize the effects of moisture -- none more important than a rustproofing treatment. Whether you pick oil or grease, the main point is to use a quality product and apply it thoroughly. Of course, your best bet is to let a professional handle the work, which is covered by a warranty.
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Oil-based treatments
About an hour is all it takes to fully spray a vehicle with oil. High pressure helps the liquid spread across every surface, and down into every crack. However, oil tends to run and, therefore, can eventually be washed away or contaminated, so regular applications are required (ideally once a year). Oil-based treatments usually range from $80-$150, depending on the type of vehicle being treated.
Note that specialized shops use higher-quality oil that won't run or drip as much. Eco-friendly oils are also available.
Grease-based treatments
Thicker than oil, grease is better at fighting moisture. Consequently, reapplications or touch-ups take far less time, and are only necessary every two or three years (although the underside of the vehicle should still be treated annually). On the other hand, grease-based treatments can require up to five hours and cost anywhere between $400 and $700 for a first, complete application.
Other basics to know
Every vehicle should be treated for rust, including new ones. Sure, they've all received the manufacturer's treatment before coming out of the assembly plant, but don't wait a few winters before you protect your car; an annual treatment is always the smartest thing to do.
Dealers also offer their own rustproofing treatment to new car buyers. However, most of them don't use the same specialized products, tools and processes as rustproofing experts.
Warranty
Some companies and shops offer lifetime warranties on their rustproofing products and services, as long as your car gets an annual treatment. These warranties apply to both new and used models that are typically no more than three years old and have clocked fewer than 60,000 kilometres.
In any case, keep your receipts to prove to your future buyer that the vehicle has regularly been treated for rust.
Bottom line: A rustproofing treatment is fairly cheap when you consider the pretty expensive repairs it can save you down the road.