How to Tell If Your Rustproofing Was Done Right
You paid for rustproofing and undercoating. Your vehicle went in, it came out, and you were told the job was
done. But how do you actually know it was done right? This is something a lot of vehicle owners don't think
about, and it's one of the reasons people end up with rust problems even after paying for protection.
At Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories in Bridgeville, PA, we've been applying professional rustproofing and
undercoating since 1978. We've seen what good work looks like and we've seen what happens when it's
not done properly. Here's what you should be looking for.
Full, Even Coverage With No Bare Spots
The most common sign of a poor rustproofing job is uneven coverage. If you look under your vehicle and
see areas of bare metal showing through, the application wasn't thorough. A proper rustproofing application
should cover all exposed metal surfaces evenly, including hard-to-reach areas around the frame,
suspension components, wheel wells, and undercarriage.
At Xtreme, we inspect the underside of the vehicle before and after application to make sure nothing is
missed. Corrosion doesn't skip the spots that are hard to reach, and the rustproofing shouldn't either.
Proper Surface Preparation
Rustproofing doesn't bond well to dirty or greasy surfaces. Before any product is applied, the undercarriage
should be cleaned and prepped. If a shop skips this step and sprays over dirt, road grime, or existing
surface rust, the product won't adhere properly and you won't get the protection you paid for.
We make sure the surface is clean and ready before anything goes on.
Product Quality Matters
Not all rustproofing products are equal. Some shops use generic or low-cost products that break down
quickly or don't offer real protection against road salt and moisture. We use TST Rust Remedy, a rust
inhibitor designed to displace moisture and protect critical corrosion-prone areas. For underbody protection,
we apply TST Silent Rider, which creates a barrier against salt, slush, dirt, and debris while also helping
reduce road noise.
Both products are backed by a lifetime warranty per TST program terms. That's the kind of backing that
gives you peace of mind.
No Overspray on Components That Shouldn't Be Coated
A clean rustproofing job means the product goes where it's supposed to and stays off the areas it shouldn't
touch. Exhaust components, brake parts, and certain electrical connections should not be coated.
Overspray on these areas can cause problems and is a sign of careless application.
Proper masking and attention to detail during application prevents this. It takes more time, but it's the right
way to do it.
You Should Be Able to See and Feel the Difference
After a proper rustproofing and undercoating application, the underside of your vehicle should have a
visible, consistent coating. The undercoating should feel smooth and uniform to the touch. If it looks patchy,
thin, or inconsistent, the job wasn't done to the standard it should be.
What to Do If You're Not Sure
If you've had rustproofing done somewhere else and you're not confident it was applied correctly, bring your
vehicle to us. We're happy to take a look underneath and give you an honest assessment. No sales pitch,
just a straight answer.
And if you're looking to get rustproofing done the right way the first time, give us a call at 412-257-1006 or
visit xtremetruck.net to request your free estimate. We've been protecting Pittsburgh-area vehicles for over
40 years, and we take a lot of pride in doing it right.
Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories
150 Millers Run Rd
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Phone: 412-257-1006
Serving Bridgeville, Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, McMurray, Peters Township, South Park, and the South Hills since 1978