Rustproofing an already rusty car: useful or not?
I own a 2010 Ford Escape that's been regularly serviced but is still rusty in several places (hood, rocker panels, rear fenders).
My vehicle still runs well and I'd like to keep it for two years before switching to an electric vehicle. Do you think it's still worth having a rustproofing treatment, or is it just money down the drain?
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Hello Christophe,
Ford Escape models of this generation are quite susceptible to corrosion. Body panels rust and some owners have also experienced problems with structural components such as the chassis or suspension. But since you've mentioned that your vehicle is regularly serviced, there's very little chance that this last point will concern you.
If you're asking us about the benefits of further treatment, it's because you've probably had several in recent years and your vehicle is still going strong. In that case, we think it's still worth continuing with an oil or grease rustproofing treatment, as it delays the progression of corrosion, which could be interesting for you.
If you're sure you're not going to keep your vehicle after two years, you might want to treat your SUV for at least the first year, to delay the onset of rust without spending too much money. Take a basic treatment (about a hundred dollars), since you'll be disposing of your Escape afterwards.
Last but not least, once you've chosen your new electric vehicle, we advise you to continue rustproofing in the same way. That said, certain parts of the electrical system (orange in color), such as high-voltage cables, should never be covered with oil or grease. So it's best to deal with a professional who offers treatments adapted to electric vehicles.
