Rustproofing from new the best choice
I spent $1,000 for dealership rust repairs, but they wouldn’t give me a warranty and the rust reappeared the next year. On TV, junkers are refinished like new, yet we never see how they look after awhile. Is fixing rust a complete waste of money? Eric Lai replies:
Sandblasting, body filler and repainting are the standard method to repair rust. But once it has a foothold, rust will likely reappear at some point.
For large sections, you may opt to cut away all corroded metal, then weld in new sheet metal. Another option is to replace an entire rusty body panel with new aftermarket products, which don’t always fit right, or perhaps scrapyard parts from a donor car that’s not rusted. Kelly Hughson, a Mississauga Rust Check franchise owner (kellysrustcheck.ca) replies:
Fixing rust is always more costly and inconvenient than preventative maintenance. A paint repair, no matter what price, can’t replicate the original paint.
The quality of the work, materials used and other factors such as dust, fingerprints, temperature, curing time and moisture will all affect the longevity of the repair.
Also, an inexact colour match and/ or an “orange peel” finish will give away a cosmetic repair — and may lead prospective buyers to suspect a crash repair.
Rustproofing protects body panels and the undercarriage and extends the life of fuel, brake and air-con lines. If you keep your car for a long time, having it all original and rustfree will pay off when you want to sell.
We offer a lifetime rust warranty when treated annually since new.
Are horses still allowed on roads next to modern, fast cars? It seems archaic. Eric Lai replies:
Horses and carriages, bicycles and pedestrians (if no sidewalk) may travel most roads unless posted, but are generally prohibited from high- ways with a speed limit above 80 km/h.
Is it legal to U-turn inside an intersection when facing a red light? I often see drivers do this. Eric Lai replies:
The U-turn itself is lawful, provided there’s no sign prohibiting it, you have 150 metres clear visibility of all approaching traffic, you’re not within 30 metres of a rail crossing and you yield to all other road users. Proceeding against a red light to make a U-turn, however, is clearly illegal. Freelance writer Eric Lai is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Email your nonmechanical questions to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.