We are approaching the first winter with our 2010 Prius. I have always been a strong proponent of oil sprayed rust proofing in all my past vehicles. However, Toyota does not recommend rust proofing these cars. It seems reading through the archives that one reason is the risk of hiding the orange high voltage cables. That said, it the rust proofers are instructed to avoid these cables, is there any other reason not to rust proof? Has anyone on here had their Prius sprayed by Krown? Any opinions on the subject are appreciated.
Rust proofing modern cars is generally not a good investment. In most cases it doesn't help, and in some cases it can cause problems. Tom
I would take a look at the underside: lots of complexity, wiring, brackets, aero panels. Then picture how that would get sprayed. My 2 cents: thumbs down on the idea. Also, I'm suspicious of any company that replaces "C" with "K".
I have no issues with Krown or its quality. I have used the product for many years, and I know that it does reduce rust on all cars, even modern cars. My other daily driver is nearly 20 years old and even after all those salty Ontario winters is still nearly rust free (still has original brake and fuel lines). If I owned any other modern car/truck that I wished to keep for a long time, I wouldn't have any second thoughts about using the product. That said, I see your points about the Prius being different. I am still on the fence though. I am also not sure yet how long we are going to keep this car, and I know if we keep it for a shorter time (ie 5 years), it's probably not worth it. Don't get me wrong, we'll probably buy another Prius again. Has anyone one here actually rust proofed a Prius, specfically with Krown?
I have a 2010 bought July 2009. I also believe that if you plan to keep the car for more than five years or just value well maintained machinery that Krown is a solid product. Rust check is also good. I've had mine done two winters now. Just find a Krown store willing to work with you to identify areas you don't want oiled, like the computers under the hood. Pretty much everything else is like any other car. The orange cables are not a big deal as Krown doesn't mask the color. Giving machinery a bath in oil is not only good for preventing rust but also for keeping moving parts freely moving. BTW, I don't recommend any products where there is coating which sticks to the vehicle. Those products will deteriorate and eventually trap water against the metal.
Thanks for the helpful response. Have you had your Prius Krowned? I also agree with you regarding products with coat and stick to a vehicle. I used to work in the Auto service industry and I have seen both the negative effects of these types of coatings and the postive effects of oil spray.
There's another product, MSantos is familiar with it (he's in Winnipeg, cold/long winters): it connects electrodes to the body, putting a slight charge on it at all times, supposedly reduces the possibility of rust. Put's a bit more load on the 12 volt though.
I used to rustproof my cars "back in the day". I don't even know if I could find one (a rustproofer) in Green Bay anymore. But since they use about 2" of salt for each 1" of snow around here I wanted something to fight the corrosion. I'm on my second winter using Eastwood Road Salt Neutralizer http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-road-salt-neutralizer-gallon.html So far all looks well when it's up on the lift. Just my 2 cents.
I've used Krown and Rust check for years, however I have always not enjoyed dealing with the film, etc that gets everywhere after a car wash, etc. I have just bought an '08 Prius. Has 14,000 km's on it. I've had four days to do a complete detail on the car and inspection. Other than some non-zinc plated clips under the front end, one body bolt and two floor pan access hole edges, there is no rust or even beginnings of rust (I have a heated garage and a lift that lets me inspect to this degree in the middle of winter): ....so I am wondering about the electronic anti-corrosion modules available, if they work? I'd really like not to drill a bunch of holes and goop the car up if I don't need to. Has anyone used an electronic anti-corrosion module on their Prius? Thanks Cheers Mike
The best rust proofing for your car is to wash it once in a while. I live in Cleveland and we have worse possible conditions. We have long cold winters and all the roads are covered with liquid or graduals of salt all winter long. It enters every crevice of the car. There are cities that get more snow and cold weather then us but they do not use salt. Here is a pic of my 2000 4Runner after 10 years and 305,000 miles of Cleveland weather without any additional rust proofing. 4Runner Pictures taken 09-30-09
