Undercoating

[triumphrick]

This post is for somone who lives in an area where salt is used during the winters for ice control. Yeah, I have salt here in Florida, but it sure doesn't eat up the cars the way it does up north. Well, that is as long as you don't submerse your rig while at the ramp!
So, my sister in law in Toronto just picked up her new Toyota and the dealer wanted $800 to "undercoat and seal" the car. She opted not to do that, but since this is her first new car in thirty years, and she keeps em forever, I thought something would be appropriate.
I told her I would seek out the advice of some of the most knowledgeable people I know. Unfortunately they weren't available or did not speak ice and snow so I have come callin to get some advice from you fine folks.
Somewhat seriously now, any product or company that would do her little Toyota good I would welcome your thoughts and opinions.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Undercoating

Oil spray it..there are many companys in T.O that do it but it is a new car so get one that includes a warrenty ...read the fine print carefully before getting it done though....most are around the 100 bone range and need to be done yearly...at this time a year they should have specials ,,,,so grab the yellow pages and start calling .....Crown is a good one but more expensive and not really and oil system

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Undercoating

NO! Not at the dealership!!! She needs to shop and get it done elsewhere. The Toyota rust warranty is for 6 years and she could save a bundle if she shops...... the dealer is smooth talking her.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Undercoating

I would not and have not paid a dealer to undercoat a new car. First do some checking into frame construction. Many new frames have an integral type coating that can be removed with undercoating.
Chevy trucks for instance need no undercoating (or so they say) They have a rubberized coating from the manuf.
My F150 is 7 years old and is just now starting to show surface type rust on the frame. My Jeep has none yet but is only a year old.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Undercoating

Dealerships use Undercoating as an high profit add-on to make you think you are getting a better deal than you really are. The problem with undercoating is that if it is not a good job, and if the undercoating cracks, then the salt & water get UNDER the undercoating and rust starts quicker.

Most new cars have a good rust thru warranty and the undercoating is not needed. But if you must, Get an oil based spray every fall. You can do it yourself, but there is a lot of oil run-off, and the municpality leaders might not like that too well, if you know what I mean.