Will Your Grease-Based Rust Proofing Treatment Drip?

Most vehicle owners know how important it is to take care of the bodywork and how rust proofing can be beneficial in that regard, but they don’t always put their money where their mouth is!  

But why? Some will justify this by a lack of time or financial resources. Others say it’s not worth it because they’ll change their vehicle in a year or two anyway. And then, there’s those who think the treatment oil will drip and put ugly stains on their driveway.

This problem is less and less frequent, though, especially if you have it done between May and September, because the product sticks better when the surfaces are warm. You can also choose a thicker product that contains an additive (often paraffin or wax), which hardens after the application.

There’s also a grease-based rust proofing treatment—a good option for a recent used car you want to keep for several more years, because it lasts well on the long term. The cost? Several hundred dollars depending on the vehicle’s model. After five or six years, a few touch-ups can be necessary in some places: for example, the underside and wheel wells, which are exposed to salt and gravel, and parts that have been replaced after an accident.  

This treatment isn’t very widespread and is mostly offered in independent workshops. Its application requires precisely calibrated tools and more staff than other kinds of treatments.  

So, what’s the answer to the question in this article’s title: will your grease-based rust proofing treatment drip? The short answer is no. This type of product adheres well to clean surfaces and stays on much longer because of its high viscosity.  

However, remember that it’s more difficult for grease to reach distant and more vulnerable spots. In addition, it has a tendency to accumulate in places like the bottom of the doors, where it can clog the water drain holes. When doing touch-ups, it’s important to check if these openings are free.