How can I safely treat this rust?

[hyperthread]

How can I safely treat and prevent this rust from spreading? Should I paint it? Appreciate the help.

~original[/IMG]

 

[004Gunner]

Hit it with some oil (WD-40, fluid film, etc.) and make it part of a casual routine like engine washing and undercarriage inspection. You could use a grease too but that tends to get a little messy.