When rainy season hits, we're not just worried about wet clothes or slippery roads—we should also think about our car's undercarriage.

Water, mud, and road salt can quietly cause rust to build up, and once it starts, it's hard to stop. If we take a few simple steps now, we can avoid costly repairs later.

Why rust targets the undercarriage

The underside of our car is closest to the ground, so it gets splashed by rainwater and muddy puddles every time we drive. Unlike the car's outer body, the undercarriage doesn't have a thick layer of paint or clear coat to protect it. That makes it easier for water to cling to metal parts and slowly eat away at them.

If we live near the coast or in places with poor drainage, the chances of rust forming are even higher.

Step 1: Regular cleaning is key

Many of us focus on washing the top of the car but forget about the bottom. In rainy season, we should rinse the undercarriage once every one to two weeks. Most car wash stations offer undercarriage spray services, or we can use a water hose with a pressure nozzle at home.

What's important is to wash off any mud, leaves, or road grime that holds moisture. If it's left there too long, rust will follow.

Step 2: Apply anti-rust spray

After cleaning, we can add a layer of anti-rust spray or undercoating oil. These products form a protective layer over metal parts so water doesn't stick and cause damage. Some sprays are clear, while others are black or rubberized for better durability.

We can do this ourselves or get it done professionally during a car service. Just make sure the car is completely dry before applying anything.

Step 3: Check for existing rust

If we see reddish spots or flaking on the undercarriage, that means rust is already there. Use a wire brush to gently scrape off loose rust, then apply a rust converter to stop it from spreading. After that, we can use an anti-rust coating for extra protection.

Don't skip this step—treating early rust helps us avoid bigger problems in the future.

Step 4: Don't forget the wheel wells

The inside of our wheel arches gets splashed just as much as the undercarriage. We should clean and spray them too, especially since they're often made of metal and are hard to reach.

Adding plastic liners or mudguards can also help block water from getting trapped.

Step 5: Keep drainage holes clear

There are small drainage holes under the car to let water escape. If they get blocked by leaves, dirt, or small stones, water will sit inside and rust will form from the inside out.

We should check these holes every few weeks and poke them clear with a small stick or wire.

Let's drive rust-free!

The rainy season doesn't have to ruin our car. With regular cleaning, anti-rust coating, and a bit of checking, we can keep our car's undercarriage safe and strong. It only takes a few minutes to prevent long-term damage.

What about you, Lykkers?

Have you ever seen rust on your car? Or maybe you have a favorite anti-rust product to recommend? Share your tips with us—we'd love to learn from your experience! Let's all drive clean, safe, and rust-free this rainy season.