Car bodies are finished with a range of paints, and before painting are given one of a range of anti-corrosion treatments (of varying effectiveness). Chromium plating is still widely used for bright metal trim parts, and still tends to rust through after a couple of years. Chromium itself is non- corroding, but a slight scratch or porosity will allow the underlying steel (protected by a thin layer of copper or nickel) to rust, and the chromium will peel off. Stainless steel and plastics – both completely corrosion-proof – are gradually replacing chromium plated parts for body trim applications. Chromium can be protected quite effectively, if a little messily, by rubbing machine oil over it every couple of weeks. The Rolls Royce Phantom has 37 coats of paint applied to the bodywork and the Ferrari 458 for sale has many of its underbody parts galvanised.
Paintwork will last much longer if you retouch any little chips in it as soon as you notice them, to stop rust becoming established under the paint: use a small artists brush to apply the paint, having first removed any rust in the hole. A coat of good quality wax really helps to protect the paintwork as well. There are several diffent factor that are trying to corrode the bodywork of cars. The most powerful corrosive agent is probably salt, which is found in quantity at coastal regions around the world. This salt is in the air in these areas and precipitates onto your car body, leaving a thin layer of highly corrosive salt on the bodywork. If you live at the coast, it is a good idea to frequently wash your car with fresh water to remove the salt residue.
This will make the bodywork last longer. Another thing that a lot of people overlook is sunlight. This actually starts to break down the paintwork, and this is where a good layer of wax can help to protect the paintwork. The new Bentley Mulsanne for sale has 4 kgs of wax applied to the bodywork by hand before leaving the factory.
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