Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Types
Car Reviews
Guides
Rusty cars less safe in crashes
Those little orange spots on your car aren’t just unsightly, they could mean the structure of your car is slowly disintegrating.
Updated
Fact checked
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Steel. It’s a versatile material used extensively in modern car construction. Steel does have a downside though, left unprotected, the iron in the metal begins to oxidise forming what we know as rust. As the rust starts to take hold, components begin to corrode and lose integrity. Eventually, parts can fail entirely.
A Swedish insurance company recently commissioned ANCAP’s European counterpart to crash test older, rusty vehicles. The results are startling.
Rust causes weakness in cars
Engineers found that rust causes metal to lose structural integrity and become weak. So an older vehicle doesn’t perform as it did when initially crash tested. This problem is further compounded when you consider ageing models feature fewer modern safety technologies.
Rusting, older car presents 20% higher risk of death
The Mazda6 did not perform well under the test.
In a frontal impact collision, the crash test dummy’s head made contact with the steering wheel after the airbag bottomed out. The dummy then bounced off the wheel into the door upright. The car’s body shell deformed in an unexpected manner and the floor caused lower leg injuries when spot welds failed and separated. Crash engineers noted that a weak floor could allow objects to pierce the vehicle’s underside and enter the cabin, with disastrous consequences.
Over the decade since production ceased, Mazda's sedan dropped from a weak four out of five to a weak three points. In total, it shed 8 points on NCAP’s scoring system.
Researchers concluded that in a heavily corroded vehicle, occupants had a 20% higher likelihood of dying in a crash.
The laboratory tested both cars to the same standards as when new, not to more recent and stringent evaluations.
Identifying rust
Manufacturers apply anti-corrosion paints to crucial components at the factory, but eventually stone chips and wear cause coatings to break down. Drivers living in coastal areas will suffer accelerated oxidisation, thanks to a high salt content in the air. Boats and vehicles taken onto the beach also suffer badly with rusting.
You can identify rust by bubbling, flaky paint and a red/brown pitting. Rust generally starts small but will get worse if left untreated. If you are buying a car, take time to look underneath and examine the condition of structural metal components. If you see ragged holes and lots of loose corrosion, the car may be too far gone.
It’s possible to use a hammer to ascertain the condition of metal surfaces. If you tap the steel and it produces a sharp, defined ring, the metal should be in sound condition. If tapping makes a dull thud, the steel has most likely started corroding.
Preventing rust
Once the rust on a part reaches a certain point, it will need replacing or repairing by a professional welder. You are far better off preventing rust by taking some simple precautions.
- If you drive in seawater or even on the beach, take time to wash the vehicle off with fresh water. This eliminates salt which is a catalyst for oxidisation. Clean the underside of your vehicle too.
- If you spot surface rust (light rust), abrade the surface to remove pitting and flakes, then overpaint with a corrosion inhibitor and anti-corrosion primer/top coat. Look for marine grade products as these often perform the best.
- Greasing nuts and bolts with a non-metallic lubricant can ward off rust and make removal easier. There are also anti-corrosion sprays available.
- If you notice a window, door or seal is leaking, get it fixed right away!
Newer cars are safer
Research shows that newer vehicles are statistically safer. You can use our car loan comparison to find a great deal on a modern car. We’ve also written about Australia's safest cars. Use ANCAP or used car safety ratings to find out how your car performed when crash tested.
Drivers will find our article on what happens to your body in a car crash a sobering read.
Compare new car loan options below
Pictures: Shutterstock
More guides on Finder
-
Upcoming hybrid and electric car comparison
Compare soon-to-launch electric and hybrid cars.
-
Mercedes-Benz E-Class car insurance
Find out how much the average Mercedes-Benz E-Class costs to insure, as well as how to find a prestige car insurer.
-
Porsche Taycan car insurance
Looking for cover for a Porsche Taycan luxury electric sportscar?
-
Mazda3 car loans
Find out how much you'll need to pay to get a Mazda3 with a car loan.
-
Three car brands issue voluntary recalls
18,000 cars, built between 1996 and 1999, recalled due to Takata airbag inflator.
-
Hyundai i30 finance options
Quickly compare car loan deals for the Hyundai i30 hatch range.
-
$40,000 car loans
Make your $40,000 go further with these car buying tips.
-
The best kids’ car seats in Australia
There's so much to think about when it comes to keeping your children safe and your family sane. Let us take some pressure off you by walking you through the art of buying a car seat.
-
2019 Kia Cerato Review
It offers excellent value, generous equipment levels, acceptable styling and a comfortable interior. Throw in the long Kia warranty and you could be looking at one of the more ideal hatch or sedan models on sale.
-
Best family cars
Here are seven of the best family cars rated, from small hatchbacks to premium SUVs.
Car Loan Offers
Important Information*
Ask an Expert
