Rust is a real problem for van owners and fleet operators. And unless steps are taken to address it, there are all sorts of issues that can arise if it spreads unchecked.
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Here are five key points to consider when tackling rust on your LCV, from where to look for it to how it can be prevented.
Exposed Metal Is Most Vulnerable
Metal has to be exposed to the elements for rust to take hold, and it usually begins from a point where water and oxygen can get at it. This is why it often appears around wheel arches and other corners of a van, where wear and tear is more common.
Rust Can Appear Under Paint
If you see the tell-tale lumps and bumps beneath the paintwork of a van that highlight a rust problem, take immediate action. This is a sign that the rust has eaten its way through a body panel from the reverse face, so the problem is already quite serious.
Prevent damage to panels by investing in Sortimo van racking from sites like http://www.vehicle-accessories.net/Interior/Van-Racking/Sortimo-Racking. This will keep tools and equipment in check while you are on the road and preserve the integrity of the bodywork.
Killing Rust Requires a Complete Blitz
There is no point taking a slap-dash approach to rust removal; if even a small amount remains, it will just start expanding again.
Prepare Properly for the Best Results
When you attempt to remove rust, make sure that you get rid of all the unwanted detritus around the affected area. Even a small imperfection that you miss could be a conduit for more rust in the future.
New van sales have grown again, which is good news for the industry. But even modern LCVs are not immune to rust, so avoid being complacent and treat it thoroughly when it appears.
Different Products Deliver Different Results
A rust converter will stop the metalwork of the van’s body panels oxidising when it is exposed, but this is just a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution.
A rust remover will eradicate the unwanted particles using acid and get rid of them altogether. This is great for small surface break-outs, but it will not fix an entire panel that has come down with a serious case of rust.