The underside of your vehicle contains vital parts, including your muffler, axle and oil pan. Driving over speed bumps and potholes or exposure to rust-causing agents such as salt, sleet, snow and water can cause damage to the undercarriage, which can lead to expensive repairs or decreased performance. However, some precautions can be taken to protect the undercarriage of your automobile and minimize the possibility of damage.
Wash your car frequently, especially if you live in a cold climate. Rust-causing agents such as salt, sleet, snow and mud can cause damage and should be removed as soon as possible. According to Mark Thorsby, the International Carwash Association executive director, your car should be washed every 10 days at a professional car wash or immediately after it rains. When selecting a package at the car wash, be sure it includes an undercarriage wash.
Coat your undercarriage. Have an auto detailer spray your undercarriage with a protective coating, specifically formulated to protect it and the wheels of your vehicle to prevent untimely corrosion of rubber and plastic parts. There are many sprays on the market, including Sprayway Under-Coating Spray. If you are experienced with auto detailing or are comfortable doing this yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the coating.
Drive slowly over speed bumps to avoid scrapes or damage to the parts on the underside of your vehicle. Poorly designed speed bumps are particularly a risk to cars with little clearance, such as sports cars, but can damage any vehicle if they are driven over at a high speed.
Drive alternate routes or lanes to avoid potholes and rough roads. According to a study conducted in 2010 by TRIP, a national transportation research group, the typical urban driver in the United States is paying $402 a year in additional vehicle operating costs as a result of driving on roads in need of restoration. To avoid damage caused by roads in disrepair, steer clear of them whenever you can.
