Rustproofing

Most modern vehicles do not show visible signs of rusting until they are over five or six years old. Beyond that, in the high salt environments of central and eastern Canada, the vehicle will experience mechanical and body deterioration due to corrosion. By the seventh or eighth year in service, this deterioration will usually result in increased maintenance and repair costs, or a reduced market value for the vehicle on resale. Repairs could include lower body panels like door bottoms and fenders, and mechanical parts like gas tanks, electrical connections, brake lines and air conditioner lines. Unfortunately, most dealer-applied rustproofing leaves a lot to be desired. It's usually a one-time only application of a product that dries out and cracks as the vehicle gets older. A CAA study revealed that 85% of dealer-applied rustproofing leaves one or more high-risk areas of the vehicle unprotected. The APA has approved the following rustproofing treatments:

A small shop recommended by the APA for over 20 years. One-time grease application includes the inside of the floor in the front passenger area underneath the carpet. No holes are drilled. Barry's crew removes trim panels if necessary. Cost: $400-$675 depending on the vehicle. Retouching is recommended every three years and costs $100, $25 off the initial application for APA members.

Annual rustproofing. The product is an excellent penetrant. It outperformed all similar products in ASTM durability tests {ASTMB-117}, and is used by the military and large commercial fleets. Krown recertifies technicians annually to maintain quality and provides excellent support from the head office. The application is thorough, with holes drilled using special bits to minimize damage. Most competitors cover about 10 areas on the vehicle; Krown does over 25. The cost is $100-$130 per year depending on the vehicle, and resprays are guaranteed against price increases for as long as you own your vehicle. APA members receive a $5 discount off the regular retail price of a Krown application. The Krown warranty covers seam or crevice corrosion, and is honoured across Canada.