Rust prevention in winter climates

[rheuz]

I'm debating getting my vehicle undercoated using NH Oil, risking the soft top in touch less car wash, or using something like a Ryobi water broom when the weather is above freezing (and especially during the spring).

Honestly, with most of my vehicles I usually just get the undercarriage sprayed in a car wash, but I don’t really know if the soft top can stand to get hammered every twoish weeks like that.

I’ve read the oil undercoating is not without some risk, but i’m trying to evaluate risk vs reward in this case.

For those of you in winter climates (and soft tops), what have you had the most success with?

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[GLOCK10MM]

I am absolutely following this ! Great topic

 

[YinzerSteve]

Once I accept delivery I will be using Inox Lanox for the corrosives on the underbody, potentially the rims as well. It’s a pretty inexpensive spray. Using per recommendation of my buddy because we use salt on the roads here. As for the soft top. I wouldn’t know I will be stuck with a hardtop.

 

[tater_70]

I'm opting to drive my bronco as little as possible in the Michigan winter. I do keep all my vehicles in a heated shop. I have an undercarriage water broom used with my pressure washer to keep things as clean as possible. Had considered NH oil but holding off for now.

 

[Chriswebber]

I used Fluid Flim on mine last October and other then a few drips in the driveway and garage I have zero complaints. Also have a hard top .
Side note I used the new black version.

 

[GOATS]

I also had the new black (lanolin oil) fluid film applied. No complaints at all. The little bit that got on the random hot parts like the exhaust burned off quickly and cleanly. No drips in the driveway and has very little smell. I actually liked the little bit of temporary scent it had, kinda like a beeswax candle. It coats, penetrates and doesn't harden like the old rubber based undercoat that would trap moisture and promote rust/rot. It may need touch ups every 6 months/year/couple years depending on your driving habits.

The one negative I ever read about in this forum was one member that fouled a sensor above their gas tank (that was denied warranty I believe) by spraying the fluid film up the sides of the tank. I mentioned this to the shop that did the work and they said it wasn't necessary to get on top of the gas tank.

 

[BigFootie]

The only success I’ve had is not taking them out in the winter. With the liquid brine they used today, your basically screwed. You can wash til the cows come home, really won’t help IMO. Fluid film helps but doesn’t stop.

 

[Charlesbrown165]

Every spring and fall I have climbed under my jeeps (now Bronco) and address any rust/corrosion with wire brush/rust dissolver …then coat with POR-15 and rattle can rustoleum. If you are diligent every 6 months you will get great results….not very expensive either…

 

[vzqhsg]

I use Ziebart, have for decades. Always had good results and great protection. I live in MI.

 

[GPPBronco]

I had my ‘97 Jeep Wrangler undercoated by a place in Midland, MI called Henderson Brothers Rustproofing. When I took it in, there was zero surface rust on the undercarriage and after two Michigan winters it looked like it did the day I took it there. Still had the grease pencil markings from the factory on the main beams of the frame. Sold the TJ to make room for our 6G. You should check out their site at that link. They’re very thorough. Not just undercarriage.

I’ve always heard that opting for an oil/film undercoating is better than sprays that harden. It’s a little messy for the first week or so, with some dripping to deal with. Drips are easily cleaned with a rag and WD40. Believe it or not, it helps to take a drive down a dusty (salt-free) road after the undercoating is applied, to help it “cure.”

Only real negative I noticed on the TJ is the mess when doing work under the vehicle. Talked to the guys at my local garage and they said it doesn’t really bother them while working on it because nothing seizes up with undercoating. Even if it’s a little messy to work on. I’m Planning to get Bronco done in a few weeks.

I’m sure if you’re in the Rust Belt, you’ll have a similar place near you. Here’s a photo I took of the original sign from back when they first opened. Still hanging in their shop. Prices might’ve gone up since then…

 

[CarGuy]

Give it a good ceramic (or equivalent) before winter and drive it like normal. If really salty, self-serve wash and hose it off, especially underneath. If really bad, I’ll bring it to a detailer.

 

[Langwilliams]

I had the fluid film done on my 2019 Ranger. The following spring I got the CEL light for the sensor above the gas tank. Got it fixed under warranty. I didn't go back the following year. I think I read ford changed the design of that sensor so it isn't so easily clogged. I paid $150 for the first treatment then he said you get 2 recoats for $50 each then back to full price for the next an so on. My friend paid $175 initial then $75 for his Ram 3500. I'm sure it's more now. I had the front doors tinted an a windshield visor done an it was $40 more than I paid 3 years ago on the ranger. My friend still went through car washes with the under spray turned on. I had it turned off in the winter on my pass when I had the film applied. I was thinking the film might fill all those little areas that gunk sits in an block the nasty from getting in. That effect might last a long time.

I might look at one of those ryobi water brooms since I have a heated garage with floor drains. I have hot water in there but I don't have a hose hookup for it, just on the utility sink.

I thought the law required car washes to recycle the water they use so there could be a percentage of salt in the water when you go through in the winter. I'm sure it's a lot better than not washing the vehicle though.

 

[lakesinai]

I use Ziebart, have for decades. Always had good results and great protection. I live in MI.

I didn't know Ziebart still existed!

 

[Spiniker]

I'm debating getting my vehicle undercoated using NH Oil, risking the soft top in touch less car wash, or using something like a Ryobi water broom when the weather is above freezing (and especially during the spring).

Honestly, with most of my vehicles I usually just get the undercarriage sprayed in a car wash, but I don’t really know if the soft top can stand to get hammered every twoish weeks like that.

I’ve read the oil undercoating is not without some risk, but i’m trying to evaluate risk vs reward in this case.

For those of you in winter climates (and soft tops), what have you had the most success with?

I have a 21 black diamond and used blasters surface sheild .it took 3 cans to do my 2 door. Ive been through rain,snow and its still on there and its over 2 years since applying. Also use a crevis hose from amazon for inside frame and rocker panels. For a review of surface sheild look at repair geek on you tube.

 

[Gypsy]

We live in Florida by the Ocean but we also travel North so we are also considering rust proofing our Bronco. We have a 2016 Jeep that was rust proofed and has held up well. Figured between the salt from the ocean and salty roads up north it probably would be a good idea. Now we just have to figure out what's best.

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