Is rustproofing worth it?

[Blitzkrieg]

Yea I was always under the impression that Colorado vehicles are generally rust free because of the lack of salt and drier air.

I hear ya on the not knowing how to drive in the snow. I see it all the time in winter here in New Jersey too. Problem is, everytime they call for snow, the municipalities POUR salt and mag chloride everywhere. I cringe everytime i have to drive in it.

You're lucky to live in such a beautiful place that is Colorado. I can imagine why everyone is moving there, besides the weed of course. I was there last summer, absolutely amazing out there. Would love to be out there some day, if you natives don't mind

Curious on what a 3rd gen frame looks like spending its life in Colorado. Anyone want to share pics?

I would buy a Colorado vehicle over an east coast vehicle any day of the week. My old 2002 4Runner looked great because I did what I said above - the key is to get that shit washed off ASAP.

Arizona, Nevada etc... vehicles are normally completely rust free but if they sit outside, the heat can play havoc on the paint and interior.

 

[shahsmerdis]

4 winters with no rustproofing

while it doesn`t look brand new I bet it will be fine for another few until I trade it in for new one.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

it seems CO vehicles don't put liquid acid on their streets.

 

[JayceeP]

I don't know... I think most people are lazy and don't take care of their vehicles... and that shows more in colder climates due to corrosion. I think if you wash your vehicle a couple times per month and wax/clay a couple times a year, with regular rinse offs in the winter you should be good.

Having said that, when I bought my 4Runnwr the dealer was at a point where they refused to budge (after about 3 weeks of negotiating). I said fine and made them throw in the black undercoating they had display on a Corolla flipped on its side in the showroom. Also got some mud guards and I pay $35 every year to have it touched up. Here is what part of my undercarriage looks like after 3 winters in Nova Scotia (on the road since March 2013). We have pretty crazy temperature swings in the winters- it's not uncommon to rain, snow, freezing rain, rain, and then flash freeze again within a 24-48 hour period during a snowstorm. That all means a lot of salt on the road. The rear axle is a little more beat up in terms of rust spots but nothing serious. I rinse the 4Runner off about once a week in the winter (including the undercarriage)... maybe sometimes more.

 

[Victor_inox]

I`d takeToyota rusted frame after 15 years over constant problems with other brands. It`s possible to design non rusting frame but else Toyota will be selling new trucks? After I owned 10years old ford with literally holes in the floorpan I`ll take surface rust with pleasure. :yo:

 

[sherryKangz]

Thanks for sharing your inputs! I really appreciate that.

It seems time to time cleaning/rinsing is the key.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

=

while it doesn`t look brand new I bet it will be fine for another few until I trade it in for new one.

Your undercarriage clearly shows the lack of care you give it (the wash it once or twice in the winter).

My 2002 looked 3X better than that after 113K miles.

(P.S. - The invite was tongue in cheek. You and I obviously don't look at vehicle care the same way and I'm not going to try to convince you that you are doing it wrong).

 

[supratt]

Rusting proofing works a 1000%! I just sold my 1997 Limited after 16 yrs of ownership. I oil sprayed the truck myself every year with an air-compressor and old paint gun. I paid special attention to the inside of the chrome bumpers and there was not one spot of rust on the 20 yr old bumpers. Unseen down here in cold, snowy Canada.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Rusting proofing works a 1000%! I just sold my 1997 Limited after 16 yrs of ownership. I oil sprayed the truck myself every year with an air-compressor and old paint gun. I paid special attention to the inside of the chrome bumpers and there was not one spot of rust on the 20 yr old bumpers. Unseen down here in cold, snowy Canada.

pics !

 

[bjohnston115]

I fluid Film my truck around October and May every year. Some may think it is useless but it makes a difference for me here in the Northeast with the salty roads and salty air near the coast.

 

[Bossman]

I do believe rustproofing is worth it (since my plan is to keep my 4Runner for some time) - especially when my trusted independent mechanic advises me to get something on my undercarriage to offer some protection from all of our winter road salt.

After doing my research, and having been a pervious Rust Check customer on my old Celicas, I decided to go with Corrosion Free rustproofing on my 2011 4Runner (that I bought used in May 2016).

https://corrosionfree.com/

I had the underbody "U" package that treats the frame, gas tank, fuel and brake lines, parking brake cables, and wheel wells.

It is a no-drip, eco-friendly application.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvv86Kcn5Js