How To Fight Rust & Win

There’s nothing worse than finding car rust on your beloved vehicle. It’s damaging and looks unappealing. If you’ve already noticed signs of car paint rust, rest assured that there are measures you can take to effectively remove car surface rust and restore your car to its former glory. From DIY techniques to professional interventions from our car detailing experts at Jim’s Car Detailing, we’re here to tell you how to treat car rust to ensure your vehicle stands the test of time. 

What causes a rusty car?

Car paint rust develops mainly from the oxidation of iron and steel components of your vehicle in the presence of moisture and oxygen. Here are the key factors contributing to car surface rust:

• Moisture — When water comes into contact with metal surfaces on your car, it creates an environment conducive to oxidation. This is especially problematic in Australia, with weather that’s prone to high humidity.
• Oxygen — The oxygen in the air reacts with the iron in the metal, forming iron oxide, commonly known as rust.
• Dirt and grime — Build-up of dirt, mud and other debris on the car’s surface can trap moisture and create pockets where car paint rust can develop. These materials may contain corrosive substances contributing to surface rust.
• Scratches and paint damage — Scratches, chips or any damage to a car’s paint and protective coatings expose the underlying metal to the elements. Without proper protection, the exposed metal is far more susceptible to rust.
• Lack of drainage — Areas on the car where water can collect and remain stagnant, such as inside wheel wells or under trim pieces, can create conditions favourable for rust formation.
• Environmental conditions — If your car is exposed to harsh environmental conditions, like if you’re based on the coast with salt-laden air, your car may experience accelerated rusting.

How to repair rust on a car

Regular maintenance is essential to stop rust on a car. This includes washing and waxing your vehicle to protect the paint, addressing any scratches promptly and applying rust inhibitors or protective coatings. Regular inspections and addressing any signs of rust early on can help prevent more extensive damage.

While we strongly recommend you book your car for a professional detail as the safest approach for how to treat car rust, here are some steps you can take for a DIY approach to remove rust off a car and a list of equipment you’ll need to get started: 

General safety and preparation equipment

• Safety glasses
• Rubber gloves
• Dust mask or respirator (for sanding and painting)
• Work gloves (for handling metal and tools)
• Protective clothing or coveralls
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting (to protect the surrounding area)
• Jack and jack stands (if working on the underbody)
• Wheel chocks (for safety when lifting the car)

Finishing and sealing equipment

• Automotive primer (to prepare the surface before painting)
• Paint sprayer or spray cans (for even application of colour)
• Clear coat (to protect the new paint layer)
• Polishing compound (for blending repaired areas with the existing finish)
• Microfibre towels and buffing pad (for final polishing)

How to treat surface rust 

To stop rust from spreading, you need to treat surface rust before it penetrates deeper into your car’s surface. Car surface rust forms when paint breaks down from mechanical or UV damage. Early signs of surface rust include paint nicks, cracks and scratches on your car exterior. This often happens from UV damage and should be corrected right away.

Here’s how to get rid of surface rust and what you’ll need:

Equipment for treating surface rust

• 50-grit sandpaper (to remove rust and damaged paint)
• Sanding block or orbital sander (for even sanding)
• Rust inhibitor or rust converter (to neutralise rust)
• Small paintbrush or sponge (for applying rust converter)
• Clean microfibre cloths or shop rags (for cleaning and drying the area)
• Degreaser or isopropyl alcohol (to clean the surface before applying coatings)

Use the 50-grit sandpaper to cut through the paint and corrosion until you see clean, bright metal. Rough the surrounding areas to prepare your car for its body treatment. Use the rust inhibitor to convert any remaining iron oxide in the metal to a chemically stable, moisture-resistant compound to protect the rest of the metal beneath. 

Wearing rubber gloves, apply a rust converter with a brush or sponge and avoid double-dipping into the bottle — use a container instead. Allow it to dry for 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a second layer that you leave for 24 hours to dry. 

Scale rust 

If you don’t treat surface car rust immediately, it will decompose further into the metal, causing bubbles in your car’s paint. It will expand and flake away your outer layers of paint and metal, exposing the fresh base metal, which will then corrode. This rough damage is known as scale rust. 

Equipment for treating scale rust

• Wire brush (to scrub away rust)
• Wire wheel attachment for a drill (for more effective rust removal)
• 80–120 grit sandpaper (to smooth the treated area)
• Body filler (for dents and rough areas after rust removal)
• Plastic or metal spreader (to apply body filler)
• Mixing board or disposable surface (for preparing body filler)
• Sanding sponge or finer grit sandpaper (220–400 grit for final smoothing)
• Rust converter (to stabilise any remaining rust)
• Primer (to protect the repaired area before painting)
• Spray paint matched to car colour (for finishing the job)
• Clear coat (to seal the paint)

Here’s how to do it:

Treat the scale rust with a wire brush to break through the rust layer. Smooth the surface with sanding paper until you reach the bare metal layer before sealing it off. Roughen the surface around the treatment area to accommodate your sealants.

If there is car rust beneath your car, the best way to remove rust from the car underbody is to seal the cleaned-up spot with a rust converter after scrubbing the rust off with a wire brush.

A more visible spot would require the extra effort of a body filler, primer and a paint job. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your body filler, and be mindful to mix as much as you would use within 10 minutes since it hardens fast.

Spread it with a metal or plastic spreader, allow 30 minutes to harden and sand the surface smooth to match the rest of your car’s bodywork. Seal with primer before painting and clear coating your vehicle.

Penetrating rust 

If you avoid treating car scale rust, it could eventually eat through your car’s metal, which is detrimental to your car’s suspension. The best way to remove rust from a car’s underbody is to keep up with regular checks underneath your car to ensure no parts are compromised. Take your car for its regular minor and major inspections with a certified mechanic to nip any issues in the bud before they become more costly expenses down the line.

That said, if your scale rust has left holes and compromised the structural integrity of your vehicle, you must either replace the affected part or cut the rotten parts out for minor bodywork issues and weld patch panels into place. Avoid joining your damaged car frame back together, as it’s not safe to drive in, particularly if you experience an accident of any sort. 

Signs you need to seek professional help to repair rust on your car

While some cases of surface rust can be handled with DIY methods, there are situations where professional assistance becomes necessary, since learning how to get rid of rust in a car at home can be challenging for beginners. Here are the key signs that indicate it’s time to seek expert help at Jim’s Car Detailing for car restoration rust removal:

1. Rust has penetrated deep into the metal

If you see paint rusting on your car with bubbling, flaking or peeling, this indicates that the rust has gone beyond the surface. When corrosion eats through the metal, professional surface rust removal is essential to prevent further deterioration.

2. Structural components are compromised

Rust on structural parts like the frame, undercarriage or suspension system can weaken your car’s integrity, making it unsafe to drive. If you notice heavy corrosion in these areas, it’s time to remove rust from your car with expert intervention.

3. DIY methods aren’t working

If you’ve tried multiple methods to get rid of surface rust, but it keeps coming back, it could mean the rust is more extensive than it appears. Professionals use industrial-grade treatments to permanently remove rust from a car and prevent recurrence.

4. The rust is widespread

A few small rust spots might not seem like a big deal, but if you see rust on a car spreading to multiple areas, it’s a sign that corrosion is advancing. Widespread rust requires thorough car restoration and rust removal to prevent serious damage.

5. Rust is forming in hard-to-reach areas

Rust often develops in hidden places, such as under door seals, inside wheel wells and in the engine bay. If you suspect hidden rust but can’t easily access these areas, a professional can perform a comprehensive inspection and take rust off a car effectively.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait until the damage becomes irreversible. In the event that you don’t know how to remove rust from your car, seek professional help today for reliable rust removal services.

How to prevent rust on your car

Rust prevention is far easier than dealing with repairs. By taking proactive steps, you can avoid the need to take rust off a car and keep your vehicle looking great for years. Here’s how:

1. Inspect for rust regularly

Conduct routine checks on your vehicle, especially in areas where rust commonly develops, such as:

• Door edges
• Under wheel arches
• Undercarriage and suspension components
• Around bolts and screws

Catching rust early makes surface rust removal much easier and prevents it from worsening.

2. Regularly wash your car

Dirt, road salt and moisture accelerate rust formation. To clean rust on your car before it starts, wash your vehicle at least twice a month, especially in winter or after driving on salty roads. Be sure to dry the car thoroughly to prevent trapped moisture.

3. Apply rust-proofing treatments

Rust-proofing sprays and coatings add an extra layer of protection, making it harder for rust to take hold. Applying these treatments regularly can get rid of surface rust before it spreads. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to rust, such as wheel wells and undercarriage components.

Some car owners use oil-based products, like fluid film or WD-40, to create a temporary moisture barrier. Spray these in vulnerable areas, such as under the car, for additional protection against rust.

4. Keep your car in a dry environment

Parking your car in a garage or using a high-quality car cover helps reduce exposure to moisture. If storing a vehicle long-term, use a dehumidifier in the garage to prevent rust formation.

5. Wax your car every few months or upgrade to a ceramic coating

Wax creates a protective barrier that helps shield the paint from moisture and contaminants. A well-waxed surface reduces the risk of surface rust, keeping your car looking its best.

For longer-lasting protection, consider a ceramic coating. While more expensive than traditional wax, ceramic coatings enhance shine and provide durable defence against rust and oxidation, making them a worthwhile investment for extended care.

6. Keep drains and undercarriage clear

Many vehicles have drainage holes that can become clogged with debris. If these get blocked, water can accumulate in areas that are hard to see, leading to rust. Regularly inspect and clear these drainage points to prevent hidden corrosion.

7. Touch up paint chips and scratches promptly

Small chips and scratches may not seem like a big deal, but they expose the metal to moisture, leading to rust on a car. Use touch-up paint to seal any scratches before rust takes hold.

8. Keep an eye on your exhaust system

Exhaust pipes are exposed to high heat and moisture, making them prone to rust. To remove rust from a car exhaust system, clean and inspect it regularly and apply a heat-resistant rust protectant if needed.

9. Replace or treat rusted fasteners

Bolts and screws can rust over time, leading to potential structural issues. If you notice rust on fasteners, replace them or treat them with anti-rust coatings to prevent further damage.

10. Avoid leaving wet items inside the car

Moisture buildup inside the vehicle can lead to hidden rust problems. Avoid leaving wet clothes, umbrellas or carpets inside the car for extended periods. If your car interior gets damp, use silica gel packs or a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture.

Maintain the condition of your car with Jim’s Car Detailing services

While regular car washes will help prevent the build-up of dirt and debris that contribute to car paint rust, our professional car detailing service will give your car the royal treatment it deserves that simply cannot be achieved with your average wash. Rather than buying all the DIY equipment yourself and risking sanding down your vehicle too much or causing further damage, why not trust your car in the hands of our experts, who’ve seen it all and can take the hassle out of learning how to clean rust from your car?

Our full cut and polish treatment includes a thorough pre-rinse and snow foam hand wash of your vehicle with pH-neutral shampoo, followed by a clay bar treatment to remove all traces of bug splash, road tar, oxidation, industrial fallout, rail dust and brake dust that leads to car rust. With a cut and polish, we’ll treat any instances of light to medium swirl marks on your vehicle and give it a gloss enhancement to give it that showroom sparkle. With a paint decontamination treatment and protective spray coating, you can rest assured that your car will be in its best possible condition. 

Book a car detailing at Jim’s Car Detailing Service today

Removing rust from your car isn’t just a matter of restoring its appearance — it’s about preserving your vehicle’s structural integrity and safety for years to come. To stop rust on a car, we strongly urge you to have a professional car detailing service with our expert team once a year, in addition to regular car washes to protect your vehicle from the risk of car paint rust. 

With over 20 years of industry experience and our Jim’s Work Group Guarantee, you can trust that our car detailing service will always be completed to the highest possible standards. Request a free quote from our team today and choose us for all your car restoration and rust removal needs. If you have any questions, call us at 131 546 — our dedicated staff will gladly assist you further.