Does the factory put on an undercarriage anti-rust coating? If not, does or can the dealer do this? Is it worth it?
The only thing I know of is the rust box the dealer installs in your engine bay. Suppose to prevent rust on your car for so many years. As the under carriage that isn't an option. There is the rustonium paint u can buy and apply yourself. I seen from post people's mufflers having rust spots after so many years. It's mainly where you live on how rust will come to. I live on a island surrounded by salt water so rust does happen but only if you don't take care of your car.
What is this rust box you speak of? And, does the dealer automatically install it, or is it a paid option?
I think he's referring to a gizmo that applies a constant charge to the car body, supposed to discourage rusting some. I understand it's more taxing on the battery though. You can't really just spray willy nilly under there: have a look, it's a plethora of suspension components, struts, beams, and lots of plastic. To get a pro to do it effectively (if if it's possible) would be cost prohibitive. I've done our suspension components and bolts as best I can, with a wax/oil treatment. Used rags and small brushes. It's very worthwhile to back out as many of the small diameter bolts holding plastic shields assap, soak them with oil, before they rust up completely.
Yeah, the charge device sounds like it would suck the soul from the battery over time. Dang. I live in a very, very wet place (south Louisiana). While we do not have snow or salt, we do have constant rain. Is there any way to help with rust, short of removing all the bolts like you said, which sounds like something I do not want to do lol?
The c will be different of course, but with our 2010 when I tried to back out a few shield holding bolts (to clean and oil suspension joints behind) the bolt heads almost broke off. Not that many. I'd say they were installed dry at the factory. The main issue seems to be downgrading of fastener coatings, maybe due to legislation?
I'm also curious about rust protection since it snows like crazay in the upper midwest near canada and you can get salt and sand all over your pants from just walking to get the mail ay carumba
I'm wondering if there are any 2012 Prius C owners that live in excessive rain or salt or snowy conditions, if you can please look under your car and let us know if there's some serious rust? And if you feel that you should have gotten rust protection??
Yes, Post # 9. I think there is some "body Shultz" (what we used to call it) that is sprayed and/ or brushed then painted over from the factory. There is rust on some of the suspension pieces even when new. In SF Bay Area Calif undercarriage rust is not an issue and I personally have never experienced this issue living here (almost for a century). That said, with the car on a lift, look for any rust on your new car, treat it and put some paint over it with a paint brush. IMO, as for "spraying" the entire under carriage et al, await post # 9 replies. PS A side benefit of Shultz is increase sound/ road noise deadening.
