Rust can cause significant damage to vital components of a car. Anyone looking to purchase a used car should be sure to inspect the car thoroughly for rust before making the decision to buy. Knowing where to check for rust on a used car is important for all car shoppers.
The bottom of the car is the most important place to check for rust. If you live in an area that sees significant snowfall, the salt used to melt ice on the roads can increase the rusting process on the underside of the vehicle.
The most important places to check are exhaust and suspension systems. Rust damage to these components can cause significant problems. Avoiding vehicles with rust damage on these areas is strongly recommended.
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Next, check all of the metal parts on the underside of the car. The wheel wells and frame rails are common rust spots.
After looking at the bottom of the car, check under the carpet of the trunk. Then check any metal exterior components. Look for any areas where the paint appears to be bubbling, this can be a sign of rust forming. Don’t worry about any of the plastic components. Rust will only form on metal.
How much rust is too much?
For some buyers, the answer to this question is that any amount is too much. However, if you are looking for a good deal on a car, sometimes rust cannot be avoided. If the seller of the car is transparent about any rust issues, and factors this into the vehicle price, rust doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Minor rust issues can he fixed, so long as they are caught early on. Sanding away the rust can prevent it from spreading.
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If you live in Kansas and would like to find a great, rust-free used car, check out our selection at Briggs Super Center. We can also help you out with any service needs, and check out our blog for other car shopping advice.