How to Prevent and Control Aluminum Corrosion
Purchasing a vehicle is an exciting experience. It is also a major investment, which is why you must take steps to protect your new car from environmental elements. One of the biggest dangers to your vehicle comes from aluminum corrosion.
Everything from the body of your vehicle to its frame and wiring incorporates aluminum. With that in mind, you should take proactive steps to prevent and control aluminum corrosion development. Doing so will ensure that your vehicle will continue to look great for years to come.
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LEARN MORERust vs. Corrosion: What's the Difference?
Many vehicle owners misidentify corrosion as rust. While neither is good for your vehicle, they have some distinct differences in their development's chemical processes. Rust is a specific form of corrosion, but not all corrosion is considered to be rust.
Here are the key aspects of corrosion:
Corrosion occurs on different materials, including wood, metals, and natural tissues
It is the result of electrochemical or chemical reactions
Corrosion can occur as the result of exposure to chemicals or air
Corrosion causes salt or metal oxides to form
Corrosion can occur on ceramics and non-ferrous metals
When it's present on non-metals, corrosion is often known as degradation
If you find degradation on your vehicle's non-ferrous surface, then it is corrosion, not rust. Paying close attention to your vehicle when you are cleaning can help you catch corrosion signs early and stop it in its tracks. For example, wheels and wheel wells are some of the most common places to find corrosion, so it is important to check and clean these areas often.
To gain a better understanding of the different types of corrosion, the Aluminum Association published Corrosion Types for Aluminum Parts Used in Vehicular Applications.
Will Aluminum Rust?
Many drivers ask, "Will aluminum rust?" Technically, the answer is no. The aluminum of your vehicle will not rust. Aluminum is a popular metal for use on vehicles because it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Although rust can't happen on aluminum, corrosion can if the conditions are just right.
Any signs of corrosion on your vehicle will require professional corrective treatment to repair. The easiest solution is to have corrosion prevention treatment performed on your vehicle before problems have a chance to arise.
Causes of Aluminum Corrosion
Aluminum corrosion can have many different causes, but they are all related to environmental factors or exposure to various chemicals. One of the most common sources of aluminum corrosion is salt.
Whether you live in a northern state where it is necessary to de-ice the roads or live near a sunny beach town, salt can ruin your vehicle's body and frame. While all vehicle owners should take steps to stop corrosion, it is especially important to keep an eye on your car if you live in one of these high-risk areas.
Another potential source of aluminum corrosion is airborne pollutants. Areas with poor overall outdoor air quality or smog can expose your vehicle's exterior to a barrage of microscopic heavy chemicals. Over time, these substances can have a corrosive effect on your vehicle.
What Does Aluminum Corrosion Look Like?
Aluminum corrosion has a distinctly different appearance from rust. Rust will typically form a thin, flaky crust over the surface of the affected metal. Aluminum corrosion, on the other hand, will often form a hard surface layer. This layer is usually a whitish color that looks similar to an opaque water spot.
The most common form of aluminum corrosion is known as aluminum pitting. This type of corrosion is notoriously common in humid environments with an abundance of salt, especially in places close to the ocean.
As you might expect, pitting consists of tiny holes that form on the surface of your vehicle. They are often thin, which makes them relatively easy to repair when they are addressed early on. Fortunately, although pitting typically spreads across the entire surface area of your vehicle, pits do not increase in depth. This means that the structural integrity of your vehicle remains intact.
How to Stop Aluminum Corrosion
Auto manufacturers have taken several steps in recent years to help combat corrosion. One effective method for stopping aluminum corrosion is through the use of aluminum alloys. An alloy is a combination of two or more metals that are put together to emphasize their positive qualities. For a metal to be considered an aluminum alloy, the aluminum must be present in a larger quantity than the secondary metal.
While alloys are more resistant to corrosion, aluminum alloy corrosion can still occur. This means that you must take additional steps if you want to effectively stop aluminum corrosion.
A proven method of accomplishing this task is through the use of a ceramic coating. Polymer coatings can create a protective layer around your vehicle and bond with the paint at a molecular level. Ceramic coatings make your vehicle hydrophobic, which means that water and harmful chemicals will simply bead off.
When regular car washes are paired with a ceramic coating application, you can keep your vehicle safe from environmental elements. Ceramic coating is a great investment that can last for multiple years without any kind of reapplication.
How to Remove Aluminum Corrosion
If your vehicle is already showing signs of aluminum corrosion, it is not too late. When it comes to removing corrosion from aluminum, professional detailing and paint correction services are the way to go. They can get your car looking like new in no time.
During detailing, the technician will remove any contaminants from your vehicle's surface. They will then get to work on removing the corrosion from your car and repairing any paint damage that may have occurred. Paint correction is performed using a cutting compound that removes any imperfections. Once corrosion is removed, it is important to have your car coated with a protective treatment, as described above.
The body and frame of your vehicle are not the only areas that are in danger of corrosion. Your wheels often contain aluminum and are exposed to just as many contaminants as the body and frame are, if not more. Like other areas of your vehicle, aluminum wheels can also be treated for aluminum corrosion. They can also receive a ceramic coating to protect them from the elements.
Keeping Aluminum Clean
Since aluminum is corrosion resistant, the damage will not occur overnight. Most aluminum degradation happens as a result of continuous and ongoing exposure to salt or other damaging compounds. Even after your vehicle has received protective treatments, you must keep the aluminum surfaces clean.
Regular car washes and detailing are great ways to remove any microscopic debris. Covering your car or keeping it in a garage can also be helpful, especially if you live in one of the high-risk environments mentioned above. Taking these simple steps can save you both time and money.
Protecting Aluminum from Corrosion
By following the steps described above, you can protect your vehicle from harmful environmental factors and keep your vehicle looking showroom-ready.
Whether you have already discovered signs of corrosion that you want to address or would like to take steps to protect your vehicle ahead of time, Auto Cosmetics can help. Our skilled technicians can handle any cosmetic issue, including aluminum corrosion. Our flexible scheduling options and great pricing make it easy for you to get the services you need. Contact us today!