The best product for rust proofing your vehicle is Corrosion Free. It provides an excellent warranty, is applied less frequently, and is much more effective overall than competing products according to a study conducted by the Canadian Army.
So what exactly is rust proofing and why is it necessary? The salt spread on Canadian roads during the winter months can corrode your vehicle and lead to rust. Rust proofing is the process of applying coating products to prevent rust from forming and protect your car from the elements.
Rust proofing has many benefits for your vehicle, from increasing its resale value and lifespan to lowering its repair costs and environmental impact. Here, we've compared the top three rust proofing products so you can make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- The best product for rust proofing your vehicle is Corrosion Free.
- The top alternatives are Rust Check and Krown products.
- It's possible that these products could damage the rubber seals on your vehicle, but there's no other risk of damage.
- Sometimes, the service technician may have to drill tiny holes in the vehicle so they can properly apply the product, but they'll plug them afterwards so they’re not noticeable.
Comparing the best rust proofing options
These are the typical choices you have for brand-name rust proofing:
- Rust Check
- Krown
- Corrosion Free
- A few other products that you can only apply yourself (not recommended)
Here's a quick summary of the best rust-proofing products:
| Product | Best for | Effectiveness (based on study by Canadian Army) | Frequency of application | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Free | Overall protection | 90% | 18 months | $144.15 - $175.05 |
| Rust Check | Small budgets | 65% | 12 months | $129.95 - $159.95 |
| Krown | Cost-effectiveness | 70% | 12 months | $149.95 - $169.95 |
Please note: Prices in the above table were validated in November 2024. Please contact your chosen service directly for the most up-to-date information.
Studies conclude rust proofing works
The Canadian Army has commissioned several studies on the benefits of rust proofing their vehicles and equipment. They’ve concluded that rust proofing definitely inhibits rust but that not all rust protection products are created equal.
The tests on the fleets at St. Jean Baptiste, Quebec gave the following results:
You can read the Review of Corrosion Control Programs and Research Activities for Army Vehicles report here.
1) Corrosion Free
Corrosion Free is the clear winner of the best overall rust proofing product award. It costs a bit more than Rust Check, but it only has to be reapplied every 18 months and is 90% effective.
You can buy Corrosion Free products at Canadian Tire and other retailers if you're up for the challenge of applying your car's protection by yourself. But if you'd prefer to leave the rust proofing to the professionals, here are the Corrosion Free prices:
- Car: $144.15
- Small or medium SUV: $154.45
- Large SUV: $164.75
- Truck: $175.05
The Corrosion Free warranty includes the entire structure of the car's body, including both the roof and floor plan. Mechanical parts, peeling paint, and bubbling along the seams are not included.
2) Krown
Rust proofing your vehicle with Krown is a solid choice as it provides top-notch protection for a reasonable price. This brand also makes cleaning products, both for personal and commercial use.
You'll need to reapply every 12 months, and this product is about 70% effective.
Here's a list of prices for those who want their vehicle protected with Krown:
- All cars: $149.95
- Minivans: $159.95
- Small and medium SUVs: $159.95
- Large SUVs: $159.95
- Extra large SUVs: $169.95
- 2-door pick-up trucks: $159.95
- 3 and 4-door pick-up trucks: $169.95
- Heavy duty pick-up truck: $169.95
- Full-sized van: $169.95
As for the warranty, Krown is similar to Rust Check in that it only covers rust when it forms from the inside out. It also excludes the car's roof and any rust that comes from chips, scratches, nicks, etc. They require a perforation or hold to fulfill the warranty.
3) Rust Check
If you're on a tight budget but want to give your car as much protection as possible, Rust Check is the cheapest option (per application). It's been around for more than 50 years and has become a well-known name in Canada.
Rust Check needs to be reapplied once every 12 months and is about 65% effective, according to the tests done by the army. This may not seem like a high number, but it's certainly better than leaving your vehicle untreated and exposed to the salt and elements of Canadian winters.
As with all rust proofing products, the prices are varied, depending on the size of the vehicle:
- Small cars: $129.95
- Medium and full-sized cars: $139.95
- Minivans and compact pick-up trucks: $149.95
- Full-sized pick-up trucks and SUVs: $159.95
Warranties for Rust Proof only cover rust that forms from the inside out.
Why your car needs the best rust proofing available
Rust proofing is the only way to preserve your car from rust – and, therefore, preserve its value.
Although you don’t technically need it, let me tell you why I will personally always opt for rust proofing.
As a teen, I saw that my grandmother’s first-generation Ford Escort always looked brand new but was more than a decade old. My father pointed out her Rust Check stickers lined up side by side on the back window, and I’ve been a religious Rust Check adherent since then.
My first cars – used vs. new
My first car was a used ‘96 Pontiac Sunfire GT.
It developed one rust-related problem. A big rust spot formed around the opening to the gas tank since I was sloppy at the pumps. The spilled gas began to eat away at the paint over time, leading to rust. My yearly Rust Check caught it. When I had the rust spot fixed, my nearly 10-year-old car looked practically new when I sold it.
Next, I bought a brand new 2005 Mazda 2 GS in Carbon Gray Mica with a manual transmission – and I continued to perform yearly Rust Checks.
In 2010, I spotted a subtle paint chip. The Bumper to Bumper warranty expired after 3 years, but the car still had a 5-year corrosion warranty. Hidden under the paint chip was a completely rusted out wheel well. The dealer repaired my Mazda for free because the rust was due to a known manufacturer’s defect. When I sold it in 2013, the mechanic said it was one of the best looking 2005 vehicles he’d ever seen.
My Rust Check treatments were well worth it in maintaining the quality and value of both cars.
Concerns about rust proofing, addressed
Considering rust proofing but want to weigh all the potential pros and cons? Here’s what you need to know.
Does rust proofing damage my vehicle?
It’s possible for these oil-based solutions to slightly damage the rubber seals on your vehicle, but other than that, they are completely safe.
Krown’s product is known to cause the most damage to seals so they’ll usually apply a special coating to protect against any damage. If one of your seals does become damaged, they will typically replace it free of charge if you bring it to their attention.
Again, Corrosion Free scores points for the least damage to seals. I read multiple reports of people using it without any noticeable damage.
The only slightly annoying thing you’ll notice is the oily residue that’s left behind by the rust treatment. It’s particularly noticeable in the engine compartment which tends to eventually look quite black and dirty as grime clings to the oily substance over time. Gross, but worth it.
Do they drill holes in my car?
Yes, drilling tiny holes in the inner panels for a better application is a standard process in some vehicles. I’ve had it done in my car and read about it extensively in online forums.
When necessary, your mechanic may drill very small holes in inconspicuous locations that nobody will ever see. Once the application is complete, they plug the holes with small rubber stoppers to prevent the oil from leaking out and water from getting in.
What to avoid when looking for the best rust proofing service
There are other types of rust protection on the market besides oil-based products.
Many dealers will offer a one-time undercoating for a fee of $500 or more. There are also some electricity-based products that keep a live current going through the metal in your car that is supposed to prevent rust.
Everything I’ve read indicates that these types of rust protection are inferior and should be avoided.
Undercoatings in particular can actually cause rust if they crack or are applied incorrectly, allowing water and salt to get trapped between the coating and the metal, actually causing it to rust faster.
FAQ
What product does the best rust proofing for cars in Canada?
Corrosion Free is the best product in Canada for rust proofing your vehicle. It's approximately 90% effective, lasts for 18 months, and has the best warranty available. It costs a bit more than other options but is well worth it.
Is rust proofing worth it in Canada?
Yes, it is definitely worth it. The salt used on Canadian roads during the winter can damage our vehicles and cause significant rust issues. Protecting against this will reduce your maintenance costs and help maintain your car's resale value.
What is the difference between Rust Check vs. Krown?
Rust Check and Krown both provide rust prevention and protection for your vehicle. While Krown has a slightly better protection rating, Rust Check comes at a more economical price. Both should be reapplied every 12 months.
Do new cars need rustproofing?
Most new cars don't need additional rust proofing because they're galvanized. However, if you live in an area with extreme weather or your vehicle has some scratches, look into it. Be cautious, as rust proofing could void your warranty.
Is rustproofing worth it?
Older cars in snowy environments and used cars are good candidates for rust proofing, especially since you don’t know all of the used car's scratches and bumps yet. Rust proofing can preserve the aesthetics and the value of your vehicle.
Can I wash my car after rustproofing?
Follow your rust proofing product's instructions, but, in most cases, you can immediately wash the car to remove rust proofing products from areas where it doesn’t belong. Don't wash the underside of a vehicle for at least one week.
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