https://wwwx.cs.unc.edu/~hays/

It seems like such a rarity these days – a car with a severe rust problem. Perhaps the manufacturers have developed better paint or sealers. For whatever reason, it usually takes years for rust to develop on vehicles. If rust does develop in the first few years, usually 3-5, the damage might be covered under your standard car warranty, specifically the corrosion coverage.

Like most car warranties, they offer protection against manufacturing defects, but only for a certain period of time. Just like when you buy a CD, the store won’t replace it for you when the disc gets scratched. Cars are a little different, though. They have car warranties, and consumers are offered a baseline of protection for this very large purchase they made.

Corrosion, or rust, is usually caused when the paint has been chipped due to debris, gravel or pebbles. When the raw sheet metal is exposed to the elements, it can oxidize, causing unsightly rust that will only spread to surrounding areas. Surface rust can usually be remedied by sanding the rust and surrounding areas down to the raw metal and repainting and resealing the area.

But that’s not what corrosion coverage in a car warranty will cover. The vast majority of car warranties offer corrosion coverage, but only for perforations, not simple surface rust along the edges.

Preventing Rust

• You can prevent rust by following a few simple guidelines:
• Wash your car often – every two weeks in the winter especially if there is salt on the roads
• Wax your car every few months to protect the finish
• Examine your car carefully every few months for nicks or scratches. Don’t neglect the undercarriage and trunk areas.
• If you find a nick or a scratch, seal it as soon as you can. The best choice is touch-up paint, but clear nail polish will also offer protection.

If you think you might have a claim for corrosion based on your car warranty coverage, see your car dealer as soon as possible to speed up the claims process.