New Hampshire winters bring scenic beauty, but also harsh conditions for your vehicle. Road salt and de-icing chemicals, while essential for safety, are major contributors to rust, eating away at your car’s undercarriage and frame. For car owners in New Hampshire looking to prolong the life of their vehicles, especially if you plan on keeping your car for the long haul, undercoating is not just an option – it’s a necessity.
The undercarriage of your car is constantly exposed to moisture, dirt, and debris, and in regions like New Hampshire, heavily salted winter roads accelerate corrosion significantly. Critical components like the frame, crossmembers, and lower control arms are particularly vulnerable. Applying a protective coating to these areas acts as a barrier, shielding the metal from direct contact with corrosive elements.
There are various types of undercoating products available, each with its own benefits. Grease-based products, like Woolwax, offer excellent protection by creating a self-healing barrier that displaces moisture and prevents salt from reaching the metal. These types of coatings are particularly effective in areas with heavy salt usage as they remain pliable and resist cracking, even in cold temperatures. They can be applied to the frame (both inside and out), axles, body mounts, and lower control arms – essentially everything except for the brakes and CV boots.
For DIY enthusiasts, applying undercoating can be a straightforward process. Spray cans are ideal for reaching inside frame rails and other hard-to-access areas. For broader coverage, applying the coating with a brush or using a spray gun with a gallon container can be more efficient. Regardless of the application method, the goal is to create a comprehensive layer of protection against the elements.
Beyond the structural components, consider protecting other vulnerable areas such as brake line fittings and the underbody sheet metal. Even the transfer case can benefit from a coating to maintain its condition. While modern car bodies are often treated for rust, the undercarriage remains highly susceptible to corrosion, especially in regions like New Hampshire where road salt is heavily used.
Investing in undercoating is a proactive step in maintaining your vehicle’s value and longevity. By creating a protective barrier against rust, you can safeguard your car from the damaging effects of New Hampshire winters and ensure it remains in good condition for years to come.
