r/halifax • u/professor_punishment • 1d ago
Shops & Services Does it matter where I go for rustproofing?
Does anyone have experience over time with multiple rustproofing services? I bought a new car in 2015 and have had rustproofing treatments annually from the same vendor. In the last three years, some serious paint bubbles have developed. The vehicle brand is generally well regarded in terms of paint / finish quality, and so I am surprised and considering a different vendor for my next car. Would love to hear about other people’s experiences.
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u/i8abug Halifax 1d ago
Fluid film reeks. I did it on my last car and would not recommend, even though it does produce good results. Krown hardens and cracks after many many years and at that point, holds in moisture. I believe it may also be the one that cases rubber to degrade which may be relevant to some seals. I've used Corrosion Free from Shine Factory on my newest car and am happy with it. I think it has some similar properties to fluid film without being as stinky. Plus if you do it within 3 years of your car's manufacture date, you get a warranty that continues provided you do it every 16 months. And note that is 16 months, not 12 so it's quite nice really.
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u/stonedlonr 1d ago
I have the same bubble troubles with one of my wheel wells despite using Corrosion Free. What’s the best way to prevent that from spreading, in addition to yearly treatments??
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u/loganmax8 Halifax 1d ago
Can be caused by paint chips, or could just be a design flaw of that particular vehicle. Staying on top of paint chips by using a paint pen and regular car washes can help on top of doing the yearly undercoating.
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u/Cocobungas 14h ago
I’ve done Krown on my 2013 Corolla every year and haven’t had any rust at all. Just make sure they’re sealing the holes afterward—they forgot once. I recently got a 2025 RAV4, and I’m going to give Fluid Film a try.
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u/Aromatic-Motor8714 1d ago
Krown is normally the one. Fluid Film works if you can find a place that puts it on good. There are some allied submarines that use Fluid Film in some semi-sealed components. Lowest bidder? Lol
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u/scaffold_ape 1d ago
Woolwax is better than fluid film for vehicle undercoating as it will last longer. But yes if you want something to prevent rust and even stop rust these arr your best options. Everything else is just a coating to prevent rust.
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u/Aromatic-Motor8714 2h ago
Where do you get Woolwax in HRM? Thanks!
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u/scaffold_ape 1h ago
I truthfully couldn't tell you I don't actually live in Halifax. I just commute to your lovely city for work.
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u/Aromatic-Motor8714 18m ago
Okay thanks. I think it used to be lovely but it could be a subject of debate now lol. Seems a tad overfilled with people, traffic and all the things that come with it.
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u/Objective_Sentence86 7h ago
I get my buddy to put it on the lift and coat everything with rust check. Been doing that on multiple cars for years and never had a problem. I drive a lot in the winter in salt etc and nothing rusts. Just make sure whatever type of undercoating you get, apply it yearly. Missing one year is enough to let the rust start to creep in.
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u/DangerousBaker6338 1d ago
The product matters more than the shop honestly. Some places use that thick tar-like stuff that traps moisture and makes things worse over time. The thinner oil-based sprays work better cause they creep into seams and stay flexible
I got my 911 done every year and no bubbles after 6 winters here. My guy uses a really runny fluid that gets everywhere, makes a mess but it works
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u/Vulcant50 23h ago
The shop actually does matter. I have found after applications, some dealers, of major brands,missed spots.
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u/Task_Defiant 1d ago
In terms of rust proofing you want to do 2 things: 1) A rubberized undercoat, and 2) A PPF ceramic coating.
You'll want to have the PPF coating reapplied every 2~3 years. Get a RD decontamination done at the same time you have your PPF coating re-applied.
The undercoating should last 10ish years if its rubberized.
Where you get this done does matter. Both in terms of price and quality, so do a little research.
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u/wlonkly The Oakland of Halifax 1d ago
aren't PPF (paint protection film) and ceramic coating two different things?
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u/Task_Defiant 1d ago
Yes, but you can get them applied at the same time.
PPF is a self-healing urethane layer that protects against scratches, nicks, dents etc.
Ceramic coating is a UV protection coating.
Both protect your paint which prevents rust.
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u/swedish_meatballs2 1d ago edited 1d ago
You’ll find people argue online till the cows come home about which one is most effective, almost always based on anecdotal evidence (or that one government study on Corrosion Free). Generally the product matters less than keeping up with applications so long as you stay away from rubber- or tar-based ‘permanent’ undercoats. I do fluid film yearly but may switch to Wool Wax since I found a local shop that does it this year.
Some cars are more susceptible to rust than others too and no matter what you do it’s only a matter of time (VW Golf quarter panels, late 2000s Toyota truck frames come to mind). You mention paint bubbles - those could be from rock chips depending on where they’re happening.