Is rustproofing your car worth it?
As vehicles age, they become more vulnerable to rust. Because most car shoppers are aware of this, dealers may ask buyers if they would like to have their car "rustproofed." But as a mechanical engineering professor told the Globe and Mail recently, people who opt for this may be spending money they don't need to.
"My opinion is that offering additional rustproofing is a bit of a scare thing," said Joseph McDermid, a professor of mechanical engineering at McMaster University in an interview with the Globe and Mail.
As the paper points out, most auto manufacturers make today's vehicles with galvanized metal, which helps prevent rust. However, some Canadian dealers are still offering additional rust protection that can cost motorists in excess of $1,000.
In McDermid's view, the only part of a vehicle that may need additional protection are the wheel wells, as they are vulnerable to stone chipping. Drivers can save money by just having just this portion rustproofed rather than the entire vehicle.