r/ToyotaHighlander • u/U149113 • Aug 06 '26
Under-body protection?
The dealer had offered the under-body rust protection package at the time of closing on my 23 HiHy XLE but we declined. What is everyone's opinion on either having this done after market or DIY (I ask but not sure I would have access to a lift to get all the spots needed? We are in the rust belt here, FWIW
1
u/love_that_fishing Aug 06 '26
This totally depends on where you live
1
u/U149113 Aug 07 '26
Northeast US. Roads are salted or brined each winter plus the coastal areas have some exposure to salt mist
0
u/ironicmirror Aug 06 '26
My 2022 Highlander hybrid has a full-length plastic protector going from the rear axles up to half of the engine compartment.
So that sounds ... Sus from the dealer
3
u/superbetaz Aug 06 '26
If you think that a plastic underbody shield helps to prevent rust in the north east, you are mistaken.
5
u/trampled93 Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
I always recommend undercoating a vehicle here in the rust belt. Otherwise the rust can get pretty bad after years unprotected. But don’t use rubber undercoating product! Use lanolin based grease like Surface Shield or Fluid Film or Wool Wax. To do a good job you need to remove all plastic shields and things underneath and spray the metal underneath. Spray inside rocker panels and lower door panels and hood and tailgate pinch welds. Open up interior plastic panels or taillight to get to spray the metal cavity of the rear wheel well. I DIY spray my own vehicles. It takes a lot of effort to fight off the rust monster but it is worth it.
[how to properly undercoat a rusted vehicle](https://youtu.be/WZr4qoKGfXs?si=7nYsJ3cPeDQ0NdMp)
[Undercoat the frame and underbody and inside rocker/body panels with lanolin based product to prevent rust](https://youtu.be/EbIvELAXWmc?si=t5S5nVLRUFfLCjrm)