Rust doesn’t just affect how your car looks. It chips away at your vehicle’s value and structure over time. For anyone driving used INFINITI cars, rust can feel like the start of a bigger problem. From minor surface bubbles to deep corrosion you can’t see right away, once it sets in, it tends to spread fast. But with the right care, you can stop rust before it starts or at least slow it down.
Late summer is a good time to think ahead before fall moisture and salty winter roads start taking a toll. Whether this is your first time owning a used INFINITI or you’ve had one for a while, taking a few simple steps can help you protect it and keep it looking sharp. Here’s how to help keep rust off your vehicle so your car stays in great shape for years to come.
Clean Your Car Regularly
Washing your car might seem like simple upkeep, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent rust. Dirt, road salt, bird droppings, and even tree sap stick to your car’s paint and slowly wear it down. Once that protective layer breaks down, moisture sneaks in and starts the rusting process.
During warmer months, it’s easy to put off a wash. But if you’re driving near the coast or parking under trees, your car collects more than just dust. When grime sticks around, rust has more chances to form. Giving your vehicle a full wash helps clear out the mess before it does damage.
Some quick washing tips:
- Wash your car every 1 to 2 weeks, especially after rain or long drives
- Use a car-safe cleaner and soft mitt to protect the paint
- Spray underneath the car to rinse away hidden sand, salt, or mud
- Dry your car completely to avoid trapped moisture
- Focus on the metal around wheel wells, bumpers, and doors where buildup happens most
Even if you’re short on time, skipping the deep clean can catch up to you. A clean car not only looks better but also stays stronger, longer.
Apply a Protective Wax Coating
Washing removes the bad stuff. Waxing keeps it from sticking in the first place. A solid wax layer adds a line of defense between your car’s paint and harsh elements like salt, water, and sunlight. It takes just a little effort to add some super useful protection.
You don’t have to be a pro to do it right. Whether you’re doing it yourself or getting it done at a shop, adding wax a few times a year helps your INFINITI hang onto that clean look and durable exterior.
Here’s what to do:
- Start with a fully washed and dried car to avoid sealing in dirt
- Use a trusted wax and apply it in small sections using circular motions
- Wait for it to dry to a slight haze, then wipe it off with a microfiber towel
- Reapply every 8 to 12 weeks or when water stops beading on the surface
Wax isn’t just about shine. It helps rainwater roll right off instead of sitting on your paint, especially around seams and edges where rust often starts.
Inspect and Treat Undercarriage and Exposed Areas
The undercarriage and other exposed areas of your car deal with more wear than you realize. They regularly contact moisture, dirt, and road grime. Since these parts aren’t always easy to see, rust often starts there first. Regular checks can make a big difference.
Follow these undercarriage checkpoints:
- Do a flashlight check underneath your car once a month
- Spray down the undercarriage during car washes, especially in winter
- Pay attention to door sills, trunk borders, and inside fender wells
These areas tend to trap water and dirt, which can sit for days and lead to rust. It’s also smart to consider getting a professional rust-proofing treatment, especially for those parts you can’t easily reach on your own.
Address Chips and Scratches Promptly
Chips and scratches don’t just affect how your car looks. They remove the paint barrier and let moisture reach the car’s metal surface. Water plus oxygen on exposed metal is the recipe for rust.
Here are steps you can take:
- Keep an eye out for nicks or dings any time you wash your car
- Clean and dry the area well before covering it with touch-up paint
- Smooth out light scratches with sandpaper, then apply sealant or clear coat
Fixing the little stuff early helps avoid bigger, more expensive problems later. Even the smallest chips matter, especially around doors or hoods where water tends to gather.
Store Your Car Properly
How and where you store your used INFINITI can play a big role in fighting off rust. Bad weather, standing water, or salty air can sneak up on your ride fast if you’re not careful about where it spends time parked.
Try these storage tips:
- Use a garage to shield from rain, snow, and sun
- If no garage is available, use a waterproof, breathable car cover
- Keep the storage spot dry and well-ventilated
- Check tire pressure and use wheel chocks if storing for a long time
A poor storage setup creates surfaces that trap moisture and start rust. On the other hand, giving your car the right shelter goes a long way in preserving your exterior and all the components underneath.
Maintain Regular Inspections
Inspections draw the line between catching a problem early and dealing with big repairs. Staying ahead of rust means looking in the right places at the right times. That includes both DIY check-ins and getting a professional look once in a while.
Make a habit of regularly:
- Checking hidden corners around seals, under the hood, wheel wells, and trunk
- Looking for changes in texture, color, or signs of bubbling paint
- Scheduling visits with INFINITI City of Massapequa for a deeper rust check, especially before and after winter
An experienced eye can spot early signs or problem areas you might miss, and professional-grade service options can go further in protecting your investment.
Keep Your INFINITI Looking New
Preventing rust isn’t just about vanity. It’s about protecting your ride’s value and keeping it safe to drive. With a few simple steps—regular washings, fresh wax, chip touch-ups, undercarriage checkups, and smart storage—you help your used INFINITI stay in great shape year-round.
Routine inspections help catch risks early so small issues don’t become big problems. Taking your car in for regular checkups at INFINITI City of Massapequa adds that extra layer of confidence too.
It’s easy to overlook the early signs of rust, but staying on top of these care habits can save you time, money, and frustration. Give your vehicle a little attention, and it’ll return the favor every time you hit the road.
Discover the difference routine care can make for your vehicle. Whether you’re planning your next upgrade or just exploring possibilities, browse our available used INFINITI cars at INFINITI City of Massapequa. Find a ride that’s protected and ready for the road ahead.
Connect with us
