Rust: How to Keep It from Destroying Your Car - Softcover

Joseph, Steven B.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0962338044 ISBN 13: 9780962338045

Publisher: Ward Hill Pr, 1989

Synopsis

Discusses automobile corrosion, offers information on prevention and repair, and discusses the examination of used cars, chemicals and coatings, after-market rustproofers, and factory warranties

About this title

Reviews

A comprehensive and well-written layperson's guide....Charts, diagrams, appendixes and a good index make this a valuable purchase for all public libraries.

Considering the array of elements, both natural (snow, mud and rain) and manmade (acid rain, sulphur fallout and road salts), that are out to ruin your automotive pride and joy, Steven B. Joseph's book may be one of the most valuable tools in the battle against the rust demon.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

In the world of cars, the deadliest disease is rust. Infected bodies are visible at a glance-blistered or freckled with reddish spores, riddled with jagged holes, even missing fenders, panels or bumpers.

Cars are especially vulnerable to rust because they are made of thin sheets of steel. (Higher-grade steel costs the carmakers too much money to be cost-effective.) Even today, with the carmakers applying new technology, the problem of auto body rust persists-primarily because the level of pollutants and corrosive elements in the environment skyrockets every year.

For example, did you know that the United States dumps more salts on its roads than does any other country in the world-more than 20 billion pounds a year? And that acid rain is spreading to encompass isolated, rural areas-not just large metropolitan centers? And did you know that American carmakers warrantee new cars only against inside-out corrosion-and then only when the car owner meets a list of requirements for care?

In addition, did you know that many new cars involved in traffic accidents are "clipped" in half and welded to other front or rear ends-a dangerous process that can lead to deadly corrosion? That a large percentage of cars on new-car lots have already been damaged and repainted, leaving them vulnerable to rust? That a car's working parts are just as susceptible to corrosion as its body panels? That after-market rustproofing is often a big waste of money? That some new chemicals on the market can add years to your car's life?

In truth, auto body rust is a pervasive and costly by-product of car ownership today, whether your car is new, used or "classic." There are many causes besides the ones listed above. And there are just as many approaches to its prevention and cure.

If you own a car today-any car-you owe it to yourself (and your wallet) to keep it in sound condition as long as possible. For one thing, you'll get more money when you decide to sell it or trade it in. But more important, a sound vehicle means safety and reliability.

So plot a strategy for prevention (Chapter 3). Acquire the skills necessary to make basic repairs (Chapter 4). Learn what your car's manufacturer owes you in the way of repair and protection (Chapter 10). Take the steps necessary to find a reliable body mechanic (Chapter 7). Protect your collectable car (Chapter 5).

Know how to tell the difference between effective after-market rustproofing and simple fraud (Chapter 9). Be thorough when you shop for a new or used car (Chapter 8). Know what the federal government will do for you (Chapter 11) and the basic federal and state laws governing manufacturing and rustproofing (Chapters 8 and 9). And, finally, keep up with the latest products and coatings that can help you fight or prevent rust (Chapter 6 and Appendix 1).

But first, know the basic causes of rust, and the most vulnerable areas on cars today (and yesterday).

Edition details

• Publisher: Ward Hill Pr
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0962338044
• ISBN 13: 9780962338045
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176