Fuel Tank Rust Protection & Treatment with Lanoguard

Protect your vehicle’s fuel tank from the inside out. Stop rust before it spreads and treat surface corrosion with Lanoguard – the trusted British rust protection solution.

Why Fuel Tank Rust Matters

Fuel tanks are a vulnerable spot for rust – particularly in older vehicles or those used off-road. Surface rust can start subtly, but over time, it can lead to leaks, performance issues, or even affect components like spark plugs, due to poor combustion caused by fuel contamination.

If you’ve ever wondered:

  • “Can rust in a fuel tank affect spark plugs?”
  • “What’s the best way to treat rust inside or on a fuel tank?”

You’re in the right place.

Common Rust Areas on Fuel Tanks

Fuel tank rust often starts at:

  • Strap mounts and seams
  • Tank surface facing the road
  • Drain plugs and fuel lines
  • Welded joints or dents in the metal

If you're seeing brown flakes or discoloured fuel, your tank may already be compromised. But don’t worry—Lanoguard can help.

How Lanoguard Treats Fuel Tank Rust

Lanoguard is not a rust converter. Instead, it works by:

  • Creeping under surface rust to create a hermetic seal, cutting off oxygen and moisture
  • Stopping rust dead in its tracks, preventing it from spreading
  • Pushing oxidation off over time, subtly improving the appearance
  • Remaining flexible and self-healing, even under vehicle vibration and weather changes

It bonds naturally to ferrous metals, forming a durable layer that keeps moisture and salts at bay—ideal for underbody and tank protection.

How to Use Lanoguard on Your Fuel Tank

Step-by-Step:

  1. Clean – Remove heavy dirt, mud, or flaky rust with a wire brush or degreaser. Surface rust is fine to leave.
  2. Dry – Ensure the tank is dry. Avoid applying to fresh galvanised areas unless fully weathered.
  3. Apply – Spray or brush on Lanoguard Moto or Moto Grease. Let it seep in.
  4. Cure – Avoid driving for the first 24 hours. Full curing takes 7–10 days.

Curing Timeline:

  • Day 0 – Slightly oily feel
  • Day 3 – Soft touch
  • Day 7–10 – Semi-satin, candle-like softness, clear finish

Full Tanks Rust Protection FAQs

No, Lanoguard is for external application only. However, it seals and protects the outside surface to prevent rust spreading and tank failure.

Yes, once applied, it forms a barrier that stops rust from reforming, even in the harshest UK winters or coastal environments. However we recommend inspecting regularly and topping up when needed.

That’s okay! Lanoguard works best on surfaces with some rust. Just remove flakes, clean the area, and apply.

Indirectly, yes. Rust particles can contaminate fuel, leading to poor combustion and spark plug fouling. Prevent this by stopping rust externally and ensuring your fuel is clean.

Our Underbody Rust Protection Products are ideal for underbodies, tanks, and external chassis protection. Everything you need in one box.

Don’t let rust take hold. With Lanoguard, you’ve got an easy-to-apply, long-lasting shield that keeps moisture, salts, and corrosion at bay – even in the toughest British conditions. Whether you're maintaining a classic, prepping an off-roader, or just want peace of mind, Lanoguard gives you that confidence.

General Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions and learn more about Lanoguard's products, applications, and benefits.

Moto Range is designed for all vehicles, bikes, trailers and machinery to name a few. It protects the whole vehicle underbody and chassis from rust, corrosion and electrolysis with a strong barrier coat. Find out more and see our Moto Range.

Marine Range is designed for boats and any machinery submerged in sea water. It protects from rust, corrosion and electrolysis the same as our Moto Range, but also contains marine growth inhibitors to stop barnacle build up on any equipment submerged in seawater. It is safe, non-toxic and marine ecology friendly. Some of its uses include on outboard and inboard motors including electrics, propellers and prop shafts and boat trailers. Find out more

Outdoor Range is a thinner formula, designed for metal, rubber, vinyl, wood, and almost all materials. It can be used on BBQs, sheds, fences and decking to name a few. It provides protection from corrosion, rust and waterproofs as wells preventing mould build-up in woods and vinyls due to it containing anti-fungal. Find out more

Lanoguard has been designed for yearly/seasonal applications. It should be topped up at least once a year to ensure continuous protection. Although due to the simple application process there’s no harm in doing an Autumn & Spring application! The product is broken down by UV, so the more it is exposed to sunlight the shorter its life span. Inside box sections or inner chassis for example, it will last longer.

The general rule of thumb is that a little Lanoguard goes a long way, 1.8L of moto spray per application. – is ample coverage for vehicles such as Land Rovers and Pick Up trucks any vehicles over this size we would recommend more than 2L. Click here to look at our range.

Preparation is very minimal - all you need to do is jet wash your vehicle removing any dirt and grime. Make sure you remove any flaking or loose bits of rust, paint or underseal. Sometimes a wire brush can be used if needed to remove flaking bits. Ensure the vehicle is dry before you apply Lanoguard – it doesn’t have to be bone dry, as Lanoguard will displace moisture to an extent, but ensure you do not apply to a dripping wet surface. See our how to apply page here.

Lanoguard is great for chassis with surface rust. It has a natural affinity to ferrous metals and will bond to the metal underneath any surface rust, it acts as a barrier by hermetically sealing to the surface keeping oxygen and water out - stopping any rust from developing further.

Yes, you most certainly can. Lanoguard works fine with almost all sprayers, compressors, and applicators. You may find that it uses slightly more product than our trigger sprayer applicators will, but you’ll still get a nice even coverage of Lanoguard which will protect well. We do have a range of sprayers and applicators available on our accessories page.

Lanoguard reaches its final state around 7 to 10 days after application. Day 0 it is “oily” day 3 “soft” and final state is dry to the touch, but you know something is there. Like a candle to feel. Maybe a little softer. It dries to a clear / transparent semi satin wet look and stays that way for some months eventually dulling a little. But always stays clear; and of course, you can jet wash it to clean it back to how it was when you put it on. It is best to not drive the vehicle for 24hours to let it get through the first part of the curing process.

Lanoguard is eco-friendly and has green non-hazardous certifications. It does not require special handling, protective clothing or disposable gloves, which all add to the carbon footprint of utilising a product that is hazardous. The primary ingredient of Lanoguard is Lanolin which is a very ecologically safe and sound base. In fact, an entire dam in New Zealand was moved down river on a base of Lanoguard marine grease which shows you how the river authority was not concerned about any toxins that would be left as a result.