Thinking ahead to winter weather (northern climate)/rust protection

[MRGTX]

After two consecutive garage queen Mustangs, I decided to make number three my main car. It will kill me to drive that wonderful machine on salt treated northern roads but it’s inevitable. I really enjoy driving that car every day and I will do my best to remember that this isn’t a fragile exotic car. Ford built these things to be driven and to survive daily life...so I can keep on enjoying it straight through the winter.

Some folks recommend treating areas of the body, specifically those that might hold water, with an anti-rust agent like Fluid Film or some other oil based product. Has anyone done this? What did you use? Where did you spray?

What other prep do you reccomend? I plan/hope to keep this car for at least 6-8 years before replacing it (likely with Mustang #4) so any tips to stave off rust and winter related damage is very welcome.

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[tom_sprecher]

"Salt treated roads"

 

[Sigma6]

There’s no catch all purpose. Just get a car wash pass and go a couple times a week. Avoid driving through puddles. Keep your distance when driving behind plows and salt trucks
If you’re really concerned and time and money isn’t a concern you could Spray a coat of linseed oil & anti rust spray.

 

[Jimmy]

Modern cars are remarkably well protected against rust compared to old cars, and will most likely still be rust free in 8 years even if driven daily all winter. I agree with the guy above, run it through a car was once in a while over winter, especially one that will spray underneath.

 

[Fly2High]

I have a PP2 and t have yet to find a car wash that can fit the wide tires and low clearance. Several say that 5 is min clearance but caution me since the PP2 is 5.25".

Because of that, I have to wash my car by hand.

In the winter, I use Optimum Industried No Rinse Wash and Shine (aka ONR). I use the two bucket method and microfiber towels. I follow the Gary Dean method

https://www.detailingwiki.org/guides/garry-dean-method/

I also use warm water in the bucket and find I can keep the car free of road dirt and salt myself. When the weather is above freezing, I run a power washer under the car and use a foam cannon to wash it. I only use 1 gallon of water and 3-4 microfiber towels to wash the car and another 1-2 to dry it. I only put enough of the water in a bucket to cover the washing towels and the rest goes into a spray bottle to pre-treat the panel/ section I am washing
.
I have also found that Turtle wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Turtle-W...MIyfuzw8Oq6wIVDYvICh2OSAFjEAYYASABEgKa5fD_BwE

works really well and can last 6 months easily. I have even applied it to the car in sub freezing temps ( we do not go much below the teens and twenties on Long Island). I spray the car in late November or December and I can make it until Easter not needing to reapply. Water will still bead up well after that.

 

[kws6000]

I’ve used Rust Check ...Coat and Protect
to spray the undercarriage and
along the bottom of the doors.

This , along with washing the undercarriage
periodically, along with regular car washes
helps alot.

Prompt repair of rock chips is critical.

Too bad Ford’s pos hood is rusting.

 

[drjeff]

I had a 2005 I drove for 170,000 miles and my 2014 I just traded in had 130,000. Both driven year round in all weather. Not a spot of rust on either. I did make sure to wash the cars regularly in winter. I live in Michigan- tons of road salt.

 

[Blue Moon]

I had my car undercoated at the dealership in Maine as soon as it was delivered, before I even saw it. It's been through 4 winters in Maine and Canada and it's in great shape.

But, I can't help feeing a little sad when I see how dirty it gets.

 

[jchamp922]

would anybody know the gray color they use for the under carriage. Wanna touch up a spot.

 

[CVCashmere]

When I got the car, the garage put it on the lift to change the tires. while there I sprayed the most obvious spots with a simple, thin black undercoating.

Be careful not to cover up an drainage holes...especially on convertibles near the rear wheels.

CVCashmere

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