How to Stop a Rust Spot on a Car?

Parent Cafe
1

I’m planning to pass my beloved 10 year old Subaru to my daughter this summer. Over the past several years, it’s had some major parts replaced, so it’s like new in many ways… and the exterior looks great – but just now, I noticed a very small rust spot beginning on the rear panel, about 6 inches below the gas tank cover. I want to fix it before it gets any bigger— but don’t want to pay big bucks to an auto body shop (my impression is that they don’t fix small things like this?). Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

2

I had a very small rust spot on my outback from a small dent. I was able to get the matching paint from the dealer. It came with instructions and is kind of a little kit with a tool to sand out the surface, the paint and a clear top coat. I also used a very fine sand paper to sand away all the rust (it was not very deep), cleaned it with rubbing alcohol then applied the paint and top coat. So far so good

3

Thanks, @cellomom2! That’s just the sort of advice I was hoping for. :slight_smile:

4

You can buy auto paint kits that have everything needed to fix a small spot on Amazon Garage.

(Thank you for reminding me that I need to get some to fix another scratch on Mr. truck after his latest war with stumps). :slight_smile:

5

Is it surface rust or has it started to bubble and made its way thru the metal?

If the rust has made its way thru the metal, then you’ll need a professional (grind or cut it out, fill it, then primer and paint it) to make it look right.

6

As others have said, lightly sand the rust away to bare metal, then prime and paint. You can get paint kits online that match the original paint, but you will never get it to look like the existing paint, aged and such. But it will stop the rust. And honestly, even if you left it alone, the engine will probably die before the rust kills it. :slight_smile: I gave my D my 2009 Prius with 230,000 miles on it. I had touched up areas when I had the car, but now figure it is not worth the effort.

7

Youtube is your friend! They have videos for all the “do it yourself” jobs. I think you will find this an easy fix :smiley: !

8

I have a 20-year-old Mercedes with 137,000 miles. The engine is still going strong, but every area over every tire is rusted. I figure the body will die before the engine. It’s really becoming an embarassment to drive.