I don't live in a snowy state, but I'd like to know if anyone uses rust preventative on the undercarriage. I've noticed on these forums that all the metal underneath can get very rusty, even on SUV's that aren't too old. Are Toyotas prone to rust more? It just seems like a lot of threads here have to do with rust. Thanks!
Rust Prevention?
- Thread starter TheBigB
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prharper
GOLD Star
A lot of us do annual rust prevention. Search Fluid Film on this forum and you should find several threads and references related to your question.
No, Toyotas are no better or worse than any other body on frame vehicle. Its a nature of the build. If they used a fully galvanized frame things would still rust - steel suspension bits, nuts and bolts, etc.
I think that you bought a LC, right? The ONLY thing that needs TLC is the KDSS valve. The rest will rust or not rust like any other vehicle.
If you get under your 200 series once a year with a can of rustoleum and spray any area that is starting to have any discoloration you will never have a rust problem I’ve done this with my 80 series 100 series and 200 series my undercarriage always looks like it’s brand new from the factory. I also wash my vehicle frequently including the under carried throughout the year.
If you don't have rust and want to prevent it without all the mess.
www.amsoil.com
Heavy-Duty Metal Protector
Shop Heavy-Duty Metal Protector at AMSOIL. Find premium synthetic oil, filters and more online. Fast, free shipping available.
www.amsoil.com
If you don't have rust and want to prevent it without all the mess.
Heavy-Duty Metal Protector
Shop Heavy-Duty Metal Protector at AMSOIL. Find premium synthetic oil, filters and more online. Fast, free shipping available.
How often do you apply it? It says “years” of coverage.
If you don't have rust and want to prevent it without all the mess.
Heavy-Duty Metal Protector
Shop Heavy-Duty Metal Protector at AMSOIL. Find premium synthetic oil, filters and more online. Fast, free shipping available.
I love that stuff, I always keep a can or 2 in the garage. It would be pretty expensive to do the entire undercarriage, but it's really good on important areas. I keep a heavy coating on the trailer insert in the rear crossmember, it still looks new now.
The mechanism that is used to retract the spare tire needs more than TLC it needs to be lubricated liberally lest it will lockup. And when it does you will need a hacksaw to cut the chain/cable so to drop the spare. And most people do not carry a hacksaw.
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I used to use fluid film and now use wool wax. With fluid film I was spraying the undercarriage twice a year and now am spraying wool wax once a year. After several years the coating is pretty thick and doesn’t need much beyond a little touch up in high wear areas.
With this coating you aren’t hiding anything and it can be removed if desired.
I drive a ton in the snow and Maine uses lots of salt. My 80 still has very minimal rust. My 200s have minimal rust despite heavy use in salty road situations
These trucks are amazing in the snow and I can’t imagine not driving them. With my studded snows and treated undercarriage I drive them hard in the winter without much worry about the rust and feel comfortable in the harshest situations
John
With this coating you aren’t hiding anything and it can be removed if desired.
I drive a ton in the snow and Maine uses lots of salt. My 80 still has very minimal rust. My 200s have minimal rust despite heavy use in salty road situations
These trucks are amazing in the snow and I can’t imagine not driving them. With my studded snows and treated undercarriage I drive them hard in the winter without much worry about the rust and feel comfortable in the harshest situations
John
I purchased a slightly used 2016 that had a bit of surface rust on the frame and axle. I wire-wheeled all the rust off, followed with a steam clean and scrubbing with simple green. This was followed by two coats of rustoleum rust reformer, then two coats of cosmoline. Time will tell if my efforts pay off being in the northeast
Looks good just wash it down every year and repaint it where it’s starting to show any signs of rust you’re good to go
