Do you need underbody rust protection on new Prime?

Years ago, bolts were cadmium and yellow hexa-chrome plated with greater corrosion resistance. Due to current RoHS standards, only zinc is now used. In a salt heavy environment, the readily rust..

 

Yeah I heard something like that, there were concerns about the coatings being toxic? Maybe the suspension framing pieces too? Welds seem extra vulnerable. I really don't think Toyota was galvanizing much. Looks like a cosmetic, single coat of black paint, no primer, on our solid rear axle and so forth.

Looked it up:

RoHS = Restriction of Hazardous Substances.

 

If you lube the threads you should reduce torque, maybe 0.85. The main connector bolts look to be all 32 ft/lb, so reduce to 27.

 

Here, tomorrow might be a good day for a mow

 

Man I admire your toughness!!
Right now, it's 96° Fahrenheit here!!
Yeah, and the snow has melted, har, har!!

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
AChoiredTaste.com

 

Wow, right now, it's 78F in NJ.

 

That's the same bolt. After pic is today, before pic is 3~4 years back. The area was brushed a little, then the linseed oil applied. I'm a little fuzzy on how long ago, but close to a year.

 

Common guys, take note of Mendel!! Cheap fix and it works!

 

California native. Lived in the OC since 72'. Have relatives all over the U.S. They think I am crazy to stay here in this expensive state. Its been my home all my life. Yeah its expensive. But I think the word "expensive" really means what does one want to spend the least amount of money on. Property tax or Tornado Insurance? Fruits and Vegetables or 9 months of a high A/C bill? Flood Insurance or Fire Insurance? In the long run, no matter where we all live, it seems to even out. The price of a home in Texas is much, much lower than in California, but what is the actual difference in price in the upkeep of both homes over 25 years? Who has the more severe weather conditions that drive up utility costs and repairs to the house? How did I ramble on to this subject? Sorry about that! Basically, we all love where we live, and I can live with that!

 

IMHO
FYI
In response to OP "do you undercoat"
For my personal experience "it depends"
So like if you live in the following USA states LO CALS....OR, WA, MT, MI, NY, NH, MA, ME, AK, and/or a coastal and/or island area and they salt the highways annually plus you have USA dollars for undercoat and snow tires plus you want to keep vehicle for extended years then yes go ahead.

However, myself never paid USA dollars for said undercoat living in TX, at best TXDOT only sands/salts highways and overpass maybe twice or three times in a annual basis . I forgo and avoid driving on rainy and iced up highway days that only further depreciate said vehicle lifespan. Much of the underbody is protected by ABS plastic....that leaves engine exhaust system, rims, wheel wells, lower portion of car door exterior skin.

Undercoating has limited to no value on engine exhaust system

 

I hear THEE
FYI property tax going up this year in Texas

 

I contacted Toyota Canada, and they said that they don't endorse any kind of undercoating on their hybrids, and the rust proofing may void the warranty:

Dear Mr. Randall:

Thank you for your recent correspondence.

We are glad to hear you are enjoying your new 2019 Prius.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) does not offer or endorse the application of aftermarket rustproofing. Due to the fact that some customers would like the added benefit of additional rustproofing to ensure the durability and longevity of the product, dealers will make an aftermarket rustproofing available to their customers. However, should a difficulty arise due to the application of the non Toyota product, any difficulties related to the condition would not be covered by Toyota.

In speaking with our technical department about the application of aftermarket rustproofing on a Prius, we were advised that it is not recommended by TCI the same as any Toyota product. With the Prius, application of aftermarket rustproofing, such as an undercoating product, could affect the high voltage leads. As such, the application of the product could camouflage the orange high voltage leads resulting in emergency, dealership or independent facilities personnel being electrocuted if they unknowingly touch the high voltage lead.

It remains your decision to add or not add this type of product, however, with the Prius a company adding the product would have to be extra careful so as not to hide the high voltage leads.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

Mark Hendriks
Customer Assistance Centre
Toyota Canada Inc.

 

@tvpierce turned me on to the boiled linseed oil.

 

Most of the underbody panels are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), not ABS which is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.

 

I would never use black rubberized "undercoating" of yesteryear.

Amber colored rustproofing is a much superior product and should be the material of choice. These are thinner and will not cover the orange colored HDPE plastic wire loom.

Seams, fasteners and brake lines are the most vulnerable areas.

HDPE plastic panels only trap water, salts and debris. To be done right, they must ne removed and the places where, when fitted, they contact the painted underbody, should be sprayed with rustproofing, before the plastic panels are replaced.

 

The Maine branch of our family (where the roads are heavily salted) have a lanolin based product (it may be Fluid Film) sprayed an the undersides of their ancient Subarus w/ no significant rust in over 10 years whereas many cars there are rust buckets. A concern about cars with underside panels is when salty water does find its way past the panels (and it will) it may remain forever - one might consider removing the covers and treating once with fluid film as it should be a long time before it's worn away. Coat the suspension threads and bolts, too. Don't use firm (asphaltic) undercoatings that can crack and trap water, but the type that leave a liquid film or soft wax that can wear off should be fine.

Also, check regularly and certainally before winter for paint chipping in places where wheels throw stones and treat appropriately - as these are prime locations for rust penetration to start.