blayze1983

Just got a new RX350, didn't bother with any of the dealer add-ons they try to sell you.

I've got my first free maintenance check-up at 1,600km - was wondering if it's worth it to get the rust proofing. I own the vehicle, plan to drive it at least 10 years. Toronto weather.

I've heard the important parts are rust-proofed anyway so not necessary, but wanted to get some more opinions. Worth it?

coolsaber

So if its one and done rust proofing....yea thats a waste. The most important parts are rust proofed form the factory, however surface rust and some panel being exposed to the road surface will rust regardless.

You can use the pre-winter treatment companies every year (multiple companies like krown etc) but they have to be done every single year, or something more effective and cheaper (of course time consuming) is to simply wash the underside after every salt exposure.

LeX2K

Rust proofing by the dealer very likely means spraying tar everywhere this at best makes a mess and doesn't help at all. Find a place that will coat the chassis with Fluid Film it is very effective. Krown from what I've seen doesn't do much except make a mess and drips for several days.

blayze1983

Thanks for confirming fellas. I'll save my money then.

I knwo a local car wash in the city that has an underside wash so I'll try to hit it up every now and then during the winter.

LeX2K

Do you have a heated garage or parking? That greatly accelerates corrosion you get the salt and rocks/sand treatment then into a warm environment that's the perfect way to make things rust. Strongly consider getting a Fluid Film treatment, without it the underside of your RX will get rusty fairly quickly Toronto winters are brutal on vehicles. Worse than Calgary I think since you have much higher humidity.

blayze1983

I have a private garage attached to my house, not heated but def warmer than being parked on the driveway.

I'll look into the "Fluid Film" treatment - no clue what that is right now. Is it a standard, straight forward treatment that most shops can apply? Does it require annual application?

LeX2K

I do it myself but I understand why most people don't want to get involved in that. Not sure how many shops know how to apply not that it's hard, raise the vehicle and spray, there are kits made for vehicle application

The only downside really is working on a vehicle that has been treated gets a bit messy. But it drastically cuts down on water intrusion/contact and hence rust. I apply it once a year, after the first application some areas don't need reapplication every year.

Bigjer2

Fluid Film is great!!! Also Wool Wax is the same ...both lanolin base...non-toxic...will not even hurt the lawn or plants. Once sprayed on undercarriage, it spreads and creeps into every crack and crevice. Penetrates existing rust to stop its advance. only issue, for some, is it should be applied every year, for the most part.