Underbody protection for your car: What you should know before protecting your vehicle
, by Raphael Rotterdam, 6 min reading time
Underbody protection for your car: What you should know before protecting your vehicle
If you're considering undercoating your car, you should carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision. While undercoating isn't rocket science, if not done correctly, it's useless .
The battle against rust may ultimately be unwinnable, but rust protection and underbody protection can significantly extend the lifespan of your vehicle . These measures provide protection against rust-causing agents such as road salt and brine – at least for a while. Long-term protection requires attention and care .
❗ Why is underbody protection important for all drivers?
Your vehicle is a big investment – and you should protect it !
Over time, rust leads to corrosion , which not only looks unsightly but can also lead to part failure and a number of technical problems :
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Leaks → fuel loss
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Damage to the engine and transmission
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General system failure
If you don't protect your car, it will be much more vulnerable to such damage .
Rust reduces the lifespan and residual value of your vehicle—and increases the safety risk . Therefore, it's crucial to take action early.
🌧️ Weather, road salt & Co: Invisible dangers
Many people live in areas with harsh climates.
Aggressive road salt , road salt , sticky tree sap or fine scratches from branches – all of this can attack the paint and destroy the protective layer.
Once the paint layer is damaged, rust formation is only a matter of time .
Road brine is particularly problematic:
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Penetrates into cracks and cavities
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Strong adhesion to vehicles
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Difficult to remove
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Attacks all vehicle types equally
🔍 Customer opinions: Advantages and disadvantages of underbody protection
According to a 2017 AAA report , U.S. drivers pay about $3 billion annually for repairs due to rust-related damage caused by de-icing salts.
Modern de-icing agents work even at very low temperatures – unlike conventional road salt.
However, many car washes recycle their water . Do they really remove all pollutants? Or do they flush the brine deeper into the vehicle's structure ?
A good underbody protection is a wise investment to protect your vehicle in the long term.
🛡️ Basics of underbody protection
The best time to apply underbody protection is when the car is new – i.e. still free of dirt, deposits and rust .
Underbody protection is a protective layer that is applied to the vehicle underbody.
There are two main types:
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Hard/rubberized underbody protection (e.g. wax, rubber, bitumen)
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Soft oil-based underbody protection
⚠️ Caution if there is rust:
If your car already has rust spots, oil-based underbody protection is the better choice – because:
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Hard underbody protection seals the rust → moisture remains trapped , oxidation continues.
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Oil-based protection penetrates through the rust to the healthy metal, displacing moisture and oxygen → rust development is stopped.
A good oil product will penetrate 10-15 cm deep into cavities, folds, weld points – where rust often occurs.
🌀 Advantages of oil-based underbody protection
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Self-healing : Small stone chips heal by themselves
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Creeping ability : Reaches into hard-to-reach places
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More environmentally friendly than bitumen products
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Noise reducing : Soundproofing effect – the vehicle interior becomes quieter
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Easy to apply yourself (with instructions & workshop set from NHOU)
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Cost-effective : Professional application can cost up to $1,000 – DIY application under $150
But: It gets a bit messy when applied – so prepare well!
💡 Disadvantages and maintenance
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Must be renewed annually for optimal protection
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In areas with high salinity, an annual inspection is mandatory
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Regular visual inspection is important: Is the protective layer still fully covered?
⏳ How long does underbody protection last?
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Varies depending on use and environment
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For trailers that only stand → years
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For frequently used vehicles → Re-check annually
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Impact load & dirt can damage the layer → regular inspection advisable
🚌 Why your motorhome should also be protected
Motorhomes usually have open chassis designs , which makes them particularly vulnerable.
An underbody protection:
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Protects against rust, heat, vibration, noise, condensation
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Is easy to apply over the entire area
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Does not need to be renewed annually
→ Especially recommended for campers & vans
🚫 Poor application = poor protection
Even the best product is of no use if it is applied poorly !
Best: Have it applied by trained professionals or use the official NHOU workshops & instructional videos .
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