Rust

To remove the film of grime which forms on the bodywork use plenty of clean water. Do not wipe with a dry cloth — the dirt will scratch the paint. Read more

Steel exposed to damp air begins to rust in minutes. If there is any rust on it when it is painted, the rust will spread under the paint. Read more

If a hole in the bodywork is not in a load-bearing area, such as a section of the chassis , it may be repaired with glass fibre, body filler or the more recently introduced filler-fibre mixture. Read more

On a fairly new car, covering the underbody with sealing compound will discourage corrosion. It can be sprayed on under pressure or brushed on. Read more

Mud and dirty water thrown up by the wheels is the principal cause of body rust on cars. If the underside is unsealed, keep underbody dirt to a minimum to reduce the chance of rust damage. Read more