When autumn is on the horizon, a small notification appears in Mélanie Bergeron’s calendar. That of the annual anti-rust treatment of your vehicle. An appointment that she never misses.
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“It’s almost a religion!” says the woman who lives in Rivière-du-Loup.
Since acquiring his 2017 KIA Sportage, Mme Bergeron has had his vehicle treated every year without exception.
“I make it a point to take care of my car,” she says. Besides changing the oil, the best way to do it is with anti-rust treatment.
“It allows me to keep my body almost like new and I can count the repairs on the fingers of one hand.”
Since she does her treatment during a less busy period, she is able to obtain a better price.
Rustproofing is a family affair for her.
“I already inherited an old car from my parents,” she emphasizes. It had always been carefully treated with rustproofing by my father for years.”
Photo provided by ANTIROUILLE METROPOLITAIN
Significant increase
Since the pandemic, Antirouille Métropolitain branches have experienced an increased increase in their clientele.
This year, the specialized company estimates that it will process more than 230,000 vehicles in its facilities. That’s a 40% increase over the past two years.
“People are more aware of the maintenance of their vehicles,” says Manuel Champoux, vice-president of operations. Given that they often paid more than in the past, they want to keep their vehicles longer.”
Protecting your vehicle after a few years of use is a mistake made by many consumers, according to him.
“It’s like when you start to eat better after learning that you have a serious illness,” says Mr. Champoux. It’s too late. I have seen rust on some vehicles after just one year of wear.
“Rust already sets in when vehicles are transported. By treating it, we stop the spread and we can save it in the long term.”
Photo provided by ANTIROUILLE METROPOLITAIN
Beware of electronic rustproofing
In addition to oil and grease treatments, there is also electronic rustproofing, which is highly contested in the automotive sector.
For a few hundred dollars, the mechanic installs a box that would use electricity from the battery to insulate the bodywork from the outside. This system would prevent the latter from rusting. However, its effectiveness is questioned by several specialists.
“As long as you’re paying for it, you might as well buy donuts and beer, it’ll go to the same place,” explains Mr. Champoux. It is a copy of the system used for boats, but it is not compatible with an automobile.
“Consumers are told they have a lifetime rust-free warranty, but that’s not true.”
An opinion shared by George Iny, of the Association for the Protection of Motorists (APA).
“Dealers are still selling this bogus product which is not good,” he analyzes. This is an unproven product.
“They like them because it only takes a few minutes to install and what’s more, they don’t need a workshop and additional staff to do it.
“People think they’re buying a rust warranty, but that’s not the case.”
Rustproofing 101
- Types: oil, grease and electronics
- Frequency: once a year
- Price: it all depends on the length of the treatment and the vehicle, but it is between $100 and $160
- Places where the product is placed: under the car, in the door sills and in specific locations under the hood
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