How do you keep rust from spreading on wheel well?

What causes rust on wheel wells?

Rust on wheel wells is a common problem that many vehicle owners face. Wheel wells are prone to rust for a few key reasons:

• Road salt – Salt and other chemicals used to treat roads in winter can splash up into the wheel wells as you drive. This salt stays trapped and causes corrosion.
• Rain and moisture – Wheel wells don’t get much direct sun exposure, so water and condensation like to collect there. This moisture leads to rust over time.
• Scraping and chipping – Road debris that hits the wheel wells can scrape off paint and protective coatings, exposing the metal underneath to moisture and oxygen which leads to rust.
• Poor drainage – Some wheel wells are designed in a way that doesn’t allow water to fully drain. Pooled water accelerates rust formation.

These factors make the wheel wells on most vehicles very vulnerable to rust formation. Even small amounts of surface rust left untreated can develop into larger flaky patches and holes over time.

How to stop existing rust from spreading

If you already have some rust present in your wheel wells, it’s important to stop it from getting worse. Here are some tips:

• Wash the wheel wells – Give them a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, salt residue and other corrosive contaminants. Use a high pressure wash if possible.
• Dry completely – Make sure to dry the wheel wells fully after washing. Even moisture on the surface can enable rust to keep spreading.
• Remove loose rust – Use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub off any loose, flaky rust. This gets rid of the most active rust.
• Treat with rust converter – Apply a rust converter product which will bind to the rust and convert it into a more stable chemical form to stop the spread.
• Spot prime – For any remaining rusty spots or exposed metal, apply a metal primer to protect the surface.
• Repaint – Finish up by repainting the full wheel well area with quality automotive paint in your vehicle’s color.

This process of washing, removing loose rust, converting and repainting the wheel wells helps halt further corrosion. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies within the wheel well too. Catching rust early and being thorough allows you to stop it in its tracks.

Preventive steps for rust-free wheel wells

To keep your wheel wells looking pristine and prevent rust in the first place, make these habits part of your regular vehicle maintenance:

• Regular washing – Clean the wheel wells at least 2-3 times over winter. Wash the undercarriage too.
• Wax paint – Apply automotive wax to the wheel wells when waxing the rest of the vehicle. The wax provides added protection.
• Spray with protectant – Coat the inside of wheel wells with a rust-inhibiting spray product every 1-2 years.
• Touch up paint – Immediately fix any stone chips or scratches in the paint that could expose metal.
• Check drain holes – Ensure drainage holes in wheel wells are not clogged so moisture can escape.
• Dry after rain – Wipe down wheel wells if your vehicle got wet to prevent rust-causing moisture buildup.
• Remove debris – Don’t allow mud, leaves or other debris to get stuck and trap moisture on wheel wells.

Making these simple preventive measures a regular part of your maintenance routine will keep wheel wells rust-free for years to come. It’s much easier to prevent rust from ever occurring than trying to stop it once it gains hold.

When to seek professional help

If you have a significant rust problem in your wheel wells that has eaten through paint and started corroding the metal underneath, it may be time to seek professional help. Extensive rust repair procedures professional auto shops can provide include:

• Sandblasting – This removes all paint and rust from the metal down to bare metal.
• Metal patches – Damaged sections can be cut out and patched with new metal.
• Rust neutralizer – An acidic conversion coating helps neutralize and prevent further rust.
• Primer/paint – The area will be sprayed with high-quality primers and paints to protect the metal.
• Drainage fix – Realigning or drilling new drain holes to improve drainage.
• Seam sealing – Resealing welded seams that may be letting moisture into hidden areas.

Professionals also have access to more advanced rust-inhibiting coatings and spray-on sealants you can’t DIY. The costs involved are well worth it to thoroughly fix extensive rust damage rather than allowing it to destroy your wheel wells and spread underneath.

Wheel well rust prevention products

There are many great products available to both prevent and treat rust in wheel wells. Here are some top options:

Cleaners and degreasers

• Optimum Power Clean – Strong spray-on wheel well cleaner
• NOCO Grease and Oil Remover – Cuts through grease buildup
• Chemical Guys Citrus Bling – Foaming citrus cleaner

Rust converters

• Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer – Top selling converter
• Corroseal Rust Converter – Water-based, low odor
• Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Treatment – Gel formula clings to surfaces

Rust prevention sprays

• Fluid Film Spray – Waxy long-lasting protector
• 3M Cavity Wax – Aerosol spray for enclosed spaces
• Boeshield T-9 – Thin fluid that creeps into gaps

Rust-inhibiting paints and primers

• POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating – Stops rust permanently
• Rust Tough 22300 Primer – Highly effective and fast drying
• Rust-Oleum Stops Rust – Available in many colors

Be sure to read directions carefully, as some products like converters need to be applied before primers and paints. With the right products and proactive prevention, you can keep ugly rust at bay and keep your wheel wells looking great for years.

Wheel well rust FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dealing with rust in wheel wells:

How much does it cost to repair rust in wheel wells?

For minor surface rust, DIY cleaning and painting may cost $50-$100 in supplies. Extensive rust repair at a body shop with sandblasting and metal work could range from $500 to $2,000 or more depending on needed repairs.

Can I just paint over rust in wheel wells?

Painting over rust without proper prep will only temporarily mask the problem rather than fixing it. Loose rust needs to be removed, remaining rust converted, and bare metal primed first.

What kind of paint works best for wheel wells?

Look for paints and coatings designed specifically for automobile wheel wells and undercarriage use. High-quality enamel, urethane or rubberized coatings provide good rust prevention.

How often should I spray my wheel wells with rust inhibitor?

Reapply rust preventative sprays once a year as a good rule of thumb. More frequent applications may be needed for vehicles in areas with long winters and high road salt use.

Can I replace my rusted steel wheel wells with fiberglass ones?

Yes, replacing severely rusted original steel wheel wells with new fiberglass reproduction panels is an option. This is a more complex job best left to body repair professionals.

Conclusion

Rusting wheel wells are an eyesore and can eventually impact the structural integrity of your vehicle if left unchecked. Thankfully with vigilance and timely intervention, you can stop rust in its tracks. Make frequent wheel well cleaning and preventive maintenance a priority. If you do have rust, use a combination of removal, conversion and protective coatings to halt and prevent further spreading. Enlist professional help for extensive rust damage. With some diligent effort, your wheel wells can look great rust-free for many more miles.