5 Tips on How To Keep Your Truck From Rusting 

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5 Tips on How To Keep Your Truck From Rusting 

Your truck isn’t just a vehicle—it’s an investment that allows you to make a living. It’s important to protect that investment from threats, whether they’re natural or man-made. Of all the things that put vehicles at risk, rust is one of the most insidious. It can wreak havoc on a truck’s body, causing structural damage, reducing resale value, and affecting its appearance.  

While most work trucks are much more rust-resistant than those made decades ago, there are still a few things you can do to keep rust from forming. Here, we’ll offer a few tips to keep rust and corrosion under control. 

Choose Quality Parts 

To provide additional protection from rust, consider using top-quality aftermarket international truck parts. Choose rust-proof options, such as truck parts made of galvanized or stainless steel, when possible.  

Protect Your Parts Purchases 

Once the new parts are installed, you’ll need to shield them from rust and corrosion. Rust inhibitors delay the oxidative process and can be applied to undercarriages, suspensions, frames, and other metal surfaces. To prevent damage, follow the manufacturer’s application instructions. 

Wash and Wax Your Truck Often 

Proper cleaning and careful waxing are a truck owner’s main line of defense against corrosion and rust. A work truck’s exterior is always exposed, and mud, debris, and road salt accumulate quickly, creating the ideal environment for rust development. Regular washing, especially during the winter and the rainy season, will keep corrosion at bay. 

Along with regular washes, waxing is essential. Automotive wax serves as a protective barrier against contaminants and moisture, preventing them from corroding metal parts. Consider using a quality wax four to six times per year, or as suggested by the manufacturer, to protect your truck’s exterior from rust. 

Keep it Under Cover and Fix Leaks 

Moisture is a primary catalyst for rust formation, and keeping trucks dry is an important preventive measure. Store your work vehicle under a carport or in a garage, especially in bad weather. If no covered storage is available, use a waterproof cover to protect your truck from dew, snow, and rain. 

If there are leaks in the cabin or bed, addressing them promptly will prevent moisture from getting in and creating rust. Ensuring that seals and weatherstripping are in good shape will also keep your truck dry. 

Maintain the Undercarriage 

A truck’s undercarriage is especially vulnerable to corrosion because of its exposure to road salt, moisture, and other rust-producing substances. To protect your truck’s undercarriage: 

• Clean it after driving through muddy or salty areas.
• Apply a rust-proofing or undercoating treatment regularly.
• Check for damaged or loose panels and fix or replace them as needed.
• Inspect the frame, suspension parts, and exhaust for signs of corrosion and rust.
• Repair paint chips and scratches as soon as possible.

Frequent inspections and maintenance will help drivers catch rust early, allowing them to address minor issues before they become major problems. 

Follow These Tips to Prevent Rust and Protect Your Investment 

Preventing rust requires diligent maintenance and attention to detail, but the effort is worthwhile. Buy top-quality truck parts, protect them from corrosion, wash and wax your vehicle regularly, keep it dry, inspect its undercarriage, and fix chips promptly to prevent damage. With these steps, you will enjoy years of worry-free driving.