How Do I Stop Rust on My Car – And Can I Stop It Spreading?

28 gen 2026

Rust. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never see on your vehicle – but once you do, it’s hard to ignore. Whether it’s a small bubble under the paint or full-on surface corrosion underneath, many car owners start asking the same questions:

How do I stop rust on my car?
Is it possible to stop a car rusting altogether?
Does rust stop once it starts?
And most importantly – how do I stop it spreading?

In this article, we’ll explain what you can do to prevent rust from starting in the first place, how to stop it getting worse, and what your real-world options are – even if you’re not a professional mechanic.

First, What Causes Rust on a Car?

Rust is the result of a chemical reaction between metal, water, and oxygen – called oxidation. It’s most common in the underbody and chassis of a vehicle, where water, salt and road grime can accumulate over time.

If your car’s protective coatings (paint, sealants, underseal) are worn, chipped, or poorly applied, then metal is exposed. That’s where rust starts.

Can You Stop a Car From Rusting?

Yes – you absolutely can stop a car from rusting if you protect the vulnerable areas before the damage begins.

That’s why prevention is so important. Once rust takes hold, it becomes much harder (and more expensive) to deal with.

Here's what helps:

Regular cleaning: Especially after winter or coastal drives. Salt is a big rust accelerant.
Proper drying: Drying your vehicle thoroughly helps prevent moisture sitting on surfaces. A car dryer makes this easier – especially for hard-to-reach areas underneath.
Protective treatments: Applying a long-lasting underbody protection like Lanoguard creates a moisture-repellent barrier that stops rust from starting in the first place.

So yes – with a bit of care, it’s absolutely possible to stop a car rusting.

Does Rust Stop Once It Starts?

Unfortunately, no. Once rust has started, it doesn’t just stay put. It spreads. Left untreated, even a small patch of surface rust can expand and compromise the structure of your vehicle.

Think of rust like rot in wood – it gets in, spreads out, and weakens what’s underneath.

That said, there are ways to halt rust in its tracks and prevent it getting worse.

How Do I Stop Car Rust From Spreading?

Stopping rust from spreading is all about two things: removing loose corrosion, and sealing/protecting the affected area.

Here’s a practical step-by-step approach:

1. Clean the Area Thoroughly

Remove dirt, salt, and grime. Jet wash if needed, but make sure everything is dry before applying treatments. A car dryer helps speed this up and avoids water lingering in hidden spots.

2. Use a Wire Brush to Remove Loose Rust

You don’t have to go down to shiny bare metal – the goal is to remove flakes, crumbly rust, and loose material. A decent wire brush set gives you control and reach.

3. Apply a Rust-Proofing Treatment

This is where Lanoguard comes in. It’s designed to bond with the metal, neutralise surface rust, and form a flexible, moisture-repellent barrier. It’s not a paint – it doesn’t seal moisture in – and it remains active, helping prevent corrosion even after exposure to water and salt.

4. Repeat Annually or as Needed

One of the reasons rust spreads is because protection wears off. Annual top-ups make a big difference – especially before and after winter.

Is It Worth Treating Rusty Cars?

Absolutely. Even if your vehicle already has surface rust, applying a proper underbody protection can halt its progress, extend the life of your car, and save you major repair bills down the line.

We’ve seen vehicles with 20+ years of use still going strong because the owner took the time to clean, prep, and protect them.

Summary: What You Can Do Today

Here’s a quick checklist if you’re trying to stop rust – or prevent it from starting:

✅ Clean your underbody regularly – especially in winter
✅ Dry the vehicle fully – don’t let moisture sit
✅ Use a wire brush to remove loose rust
✅ Apply Lanoguard to seal and protect exposed areas
✅ Check yearly – prevention is better than cure

Want help choosing what you need?
Our kits come with everything you need to get started, and our accessories are picked with real-world DIY in mind. We’ve done the thinking – so you don’t have to.

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