In this article we’ll take a look at why truck fenders rust. Rust is the most common and significant type of metal corrosion.
It is also one of the oldest forms of metal corrosion so it’s not surprising that some fenders rust out and start falling off as people drive around.
So let’s take a look at some of the elements that contribute to rust on fenders and how you can stop them from rusting.
How do you stop fenders from rusting
There are many factors that can contribute to the rusting of fenders.
The biggest contributor to rusting of truck fenders and paint in general is salt, which most people are well aware of. Salt is spread upon the roads to melt ice, but it can do a great deal of rusting as well.
Another kind of corrosion that will eat away at your truck fenders is oxidation, or oxidation effects.
This happens when your car sits for a long period of time and the salt from the road somehow finds its way into the metal and corrodes it.
How to fix rust on your fenders
There are a number of ways that you can protect against rust on your truck fenders, so let’s take a look at some of them.
Start by washing off the salt and dirt every few weeks to stop road grime from building up on your paintwork, which can contribute to rusting.
Also, you need to keep your fenders clean as well. When washing the truck, don’t use a hose and be sure to rinse the dirt off.
A simple solution is to use a spray-on water sealant or wax that is designed specifically for your fender.
These products are easily applied and will at least reduce the damage from oxidation and salt deposits. Secondly, you need to consider whether you want your truck fenders painted or not.
For a rust-free fender, you want to get some type of protection for it from the beginning. Otherwise, scrubbing the metal with soap and water will just make it worse.
Finally, if the rust is particularly bad or has spread around your fender enough already, consider whether you would like to paint the whole fender instead of removing and replacing it.
For best results, paint should be applied onto the underneath side of the metal frame only as that is where most rust occurs.
What causes rust on fenders?
There are many factors that can contribute to the rusting of fenders.
Since salt is easily found on roads, this is probably the single biggest contributing factor. It eats away at the metal and attaches itself to other metals, which is how it becomes so widespread.
Another contributing factor is oxidation because it eats away at your truck’s paintwork and metal frame, which causes corrosion to occur.
How much does it cost to repair?
Cost of fixing rust on fenders varies quite a bit depending on the location and extent of the damage.
For example, if rust has only started to occur at the bottom side of your metal frame, it would cost less than if you had to completely replace all the rusty metal.
That being said, in most instances you can expect to pay anywhere between $300-$500 dollars to fix rust on your fenders.
Fenders that are rusted out and have to be replaced cost approximately around $500 dollars or more.
Is it worth fixing rust on a truck?
So a question that most people ask themselves is whether it is worth fixing the rust on their fender.
The truth is that if you just paint the fender, there will still be rusting underneath.
It is better to get all the rust removed and get a new fender, whether that is from a body shop or a welding shop.
You can also pay someone else to build a metal frame for your fender if the worn out frame isn’t worth fixing.
So to answer the question, it really depends on the current condition of your fender. If it can be repaired for less than the cost of a new one, then go ahead and fix it.
If rust is extensive or it is too expensive to fix, then simply get a new fender.
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In Conclusion
So there you have it. With many precautions in place, rust on fenders is a treatable issue that can be prevented with proper maintenance of your fenders.
By taking care of your truck and being proactive, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and have a good looking truck for years to come.
Keep an eye on your fenders, especially around the areas where salt has been deposited on the road, or where you have parked your vehicle for long periods of time.
If you avoid these areas, you should be able to avoid rusting damage from occurring.
