5 Ways to Prevent Rust in the Exhaust System

Posted on July 31, 2024 in Maintenance

Most drivers have a hard time keeping their exhaust system from rusting— and once there's rust in your exhaust system, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Your exhaust system gets attacked by moisture from both the inside and outside, which not only accelerates the rusting process but can cause permanent damage. The moisture is trapped by such things as mud, dirt, tar, and other common types of particles that are kicked up onto the bottom of your vehicle as you drive along a roadway. In this article, we'll share a few things you can do to keep your muffler from rusting:

Routinely spray off the bottom of your car.

Spraying off the underside of your vehicle, especially your exhaust, is one of the easiest ways to prevent corrosion on your undercarriage. Rinsing on a routine basis will go a long way toward preventing rust from forming on your exhaust system, as it removes most of the dust, dirt, and other debris that cause oxidation. These road particles tend to trap moisture against the metal in your exhaust system and allow rust to form.

Opt for a high-quality exhaust system.

Most mufflers are made of metal but the best ones are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is not 100% rust-proof but it does resist the rusting process much better than other types of metal that exhaust systems are commonly made of. Unfortunately, high-end stainless steel exhaust systems can be expensive— as much as 3 – 4 times as discount-priced systems. But, if you can afford it, this can be a great way to prevent rust from forming on your car's undercarriage.

Get an undercoat.

While there are mixed reviews about this one, getting an undercoat is another way to prevent your exhaust system from rusting. An undercoat adds an extra layer of protection between the metal and the elements, making it harder for corrosion to take root. Some people swear by its effectiveness, while others claim it burns off quickly or it can start to emit a foul odor when you drive. An alternative to undercoating is painting. Some auto enthusiasts claim they have had a lot of success preventing rust from forming on their mufflers by having them professionally painted. If you are going to try this method, be sure to talk to your mechanic about proper care techniques and discuss the high-temp metal paints available, to en sure the coating lasts as long as possible.

Be sure to wax.

Waxing is another rust prevention method that can be effective if applied on a regular basis. A wax coat will prevent moisture, salt, mud, and other rust-causing particles from sticking to your exhaust system. It tends to wear off quickly

Drive for at least 30 minutes.

One of the big reasons that mufflers start to rust is because of the moisture that gets trapped inside of them, causing it to rust from the inside out. If you only drive your car a short distance, it never gets hot enough to completely evaporate the moisture inside the muffler. If you drive the car longer, the exhaust heats up more which gives you a better chance of clearing the moisture from inside of the muffler.

Repair Rust in the Exhaust System At V&F

No matter what you do, it is intrinsically hard to prevent your exhaust system from rusting. At V&F, our certified mechanics use the latest diagnostic equipment and high-quality CARQUEST auto parts to make sure we get the job done right. Plus, our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Call us today at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online. This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.