The UAE’s climate is characterized by intense heat, high humidity on the coast, and periodic sandstorms. This climate may not seem harmful to the vehicles' metal bodies. But in reality, the UAE climate brings two vehicles' enemies, commonly referenced rust and corrosion. If your vehicle is not maintained properly, the combination of heat and humidity can easily cause rust and corrosion to occur.
Whether you have a luxury SUV or a compact sedan, preventing rust and corrosion will help protect your car from losing resale value, performance, and reliability. Using FixAnyCar.ae’s guide to protecting your vehicle from rust damage due to the UAE climate can keep your vehicle looking as good as new for years to come.
Most Frequent Causes of Rust for Cars in the UAE
The biggest part of preventing rust is to understand what causes it. Vehicles in the UAE have common rust triggers:
- High coastal humidity, such as in the cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
- Salty air near beach areas will accelerate any metal that is corroding or rusty, especially with iron or steel.
- Fine desert sand that poisons the paint and simultaneously exposes the metal to contact with contaminants.
- Why is there any water exposure, no matter how infrequent? Rain or press, or high-pressure cleaning can expose the metal for even a moment, but still expose the metal.
- Ignoring paint damage that allows moisture to touch bare metal.
Ways to Avoid Rust and Corrosion on Your Car in the UAE
1. Wash the Car Regularly
The most practical way of avoiding rust is to simply wash your car regularly. This is especially true if you live near the ocean or drive mainly on sand. The salt deposits, sand, and all the dirty stuff that sticks on your vehicle's surface need to be rinsed off with fresh water.
Make sure on each wash, you pay attention to the:
- Underbody
- Wheel arch
- Edge of doors
- Exhaust pipe
- Around the fuel cap
Avoid cheap washes that use recycled water because recycled water can have salts or rubbish that will aggravate rust.
2. Use a Rust-proof Undercoating
If you're planning to keep your car for more than a year or so, apply for a rust-proof undercoating for long-term protection. The rust-proof undercoating is a layer of protection that will seal the at-risk metal components underneath your vehicle from moisture, salt, sand, etc.
At FixAnyCar.ae, we professionally coat the underbody of your vehicle with industry-grade rust inhibitors, specifically formulated for the UAE environment.
3. Fix Paint Chips and Scratches Right Away
The smallest of paint chips may appear trivial, but they are hazard entry points for rust to enter the car. Whenever the bare metal is exposed to air and moisture, the oxidation process begins.
Small paint chips should be repaired immediately, or seek professional car repair. Any paint repair area should be covered with clear coats or anti-rust sealants
4. Park In Covered Areas, Or Shaded Areas
The simplest way to protect your car from direct sunlight and coastal air is to park indoors in covered garages or shaded areas, or to utilize a car cover. Exposure to salty humidity and high-intensity UV rays can deteriorate the paint of your car and promote corrosion of exposed metal surfaces of your vehicle.
If you live in an area of high humidity, such as Jumeirah or the Corniche, parking indoors can greatly impede mineral oxidation, creating rust stains on your car.
5. Avoid Driving in Stagnant Water
When it rains in the UAE (which is rare), water tends to settle in low places. Driving through a flooded area can sometimes splash water up onto your undercarriage and under the engine cover; this can start promoting rust to form.
If you do get your vehicle wet, particularly underneath, make sure to dry it off or wash it as soon there after as you can!
6. Get Yearly Anti-Rust Inspections
Just like engine repair or oil changing, anti-rust inspections ought to be part of your vehicle's yearly maintenance schedule. Annual checks give important information regarding early rust or corrosion spots that might be hidden, say in these areas:
- Inside of doors
- Underflooring mats
- Behind wheel wells
- Around your battery tray
At FixAnyCar.ae, we provide rust inspections with treatment packages for any make or model vehicle.
7. Apply Anti-Rust Sprays and Sealants
Rust protection sprays and sealants can be applied to unprotected metal parts in the engine bay, undercarriage, and suspension. Protective products with zinc-based inhibitors or ceramic coatings are recommended.
Ensure you clean and dry the areas you are applying the sealant to. If you are not sure what the best application for your particular vehicle is, one of our experienced technicians at FixAnyCar.ae can apply the best rust-proofing systems that suit your location and vehicle.
Why You Should Care About Rust - It Could Affect Your Vehicle's Value and Safety!
If you ignore rust on your musical storage device, you could lead to other unwanted problems over time. It is important to prevent rust for these reasons.
- Decreases Resale Value - Rusted cars are avoided by consumers or negotiated for a much lower price.
- Destroys Structural Components - Rust eats away at your car's frame and suspension parts.
- Increases Repair Costs - Primarily, it's more expensive to repair rust damage than it is to prevent.
- May Cause Safety Issues - Rusted brake lines, fuel tanks, and mounts may cause safety issues and accidents.
When you make an effort to protect your car from rust, you are ensuring a long life, the ability to perform, and resale value.
Why Choose FixAnyCar.ae for Rust Protection in the UAE?
FixAnyCar.ae is one of the leading names in car maintenance and care in the UAE. When it comes to rust prevention, we offer:
- Expert underbody rust-proofing
- Paint chip repairs and coatings
- Anti-rust inspections and treatments
- Services for any make or model of car
- Easy online appointment booking and great rates
We use rust-resistant kinds of products designed specifically for the UAE climate to ensure your vehicle is in excellent shape regardless of the harsh weather conditions.
Conclusion
Rust may not be something you can see at first, but once it starts, it travels fast, especially in the humid, sandy, and salty environment we have here in the UAE. You can preserve the value of your car and save thousands on repairs by following a few simple but critical steps: wash your car, protect it with coatings, and have a regular inspection for rust!
FixAnyCar.ae makes rust prevention easier and affordable. If you are driving every day in Dubai traffic or you only park near the beach occasionally, we have your rust prevention solutions all year long.
For more details, read our latest blog “How Often Should You Service Your Car in the UAE”.
Make an appointment today at FixAnyCar.ae for rust protection and feel good about driving your vehicle!