[jackscars]

I had a distasteful experience with Subaru corporate when my last Outback nearly succumbed to a rust riddled rear sub-frame. I am about fifty miles outside of the recall area and they wouldn't help. It might have been less expensive had I just moved to Virgina and made the claim.

After that was fixed, rust through occurred at the top of the windshield and fore and aft of the rear wheel openings.

I just took delivery of a new 2013 OB Limited and don't want this to happen again.

I understand that common undercoating just traps moisture and salt thus accelerating rust, but is there any other tried and true preventive measures that I can take?

Thanks in advance for any effort and time spent giving your advice.

Jack

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

in some coastal areas, they have special car washes that rinse the bottom of the car off. Some touchless auto car washes have an undercarriage spray.

or rig something up at home to do the rinsing. winter temps could be a problem.

plus, quite likely Subaru has corrected w'ever metal treatment problem led to the original failure.

 

[there4igraham]

Keeping your undercarriage clean is the best way to prevent rust. It's a little easier to do in areas where they use road salts and chemicals because you can just spray it off using a hose with a pivoting head or a car wash with an undercarriage option.

Coastal cities is a little tougher but keeping your car clean and free of mud and debris will prevent rust.

 

[jp1203]

My 2004 is still basically rust-free. It was a central Connecticut car until about a year ago when I bought it.

As far as the body goes, I just try to keep a coat of wax on it. I also stop by a car wash constantly in the winter to wash the bottom and sides of road salt. $4 every time I stop is cheap insurance, since that car will probably run just about forever if I can keep the rust off of it.