Anti-Corrosion Care for Cars: Canadian and European Approaches

Crisis, shortages, rising prices … the car deserves protection.

Experts from Za Rulem, the longest-running and most trusted automotive publication in Russia, explain how to extend the life of the most valuable component—the body.

2. Which cars resist corrosion best?

Corrosion resistance isn’t uniform across all models. It closely follows the car’s market position.

• In recent years, the bodies most resistant to corrosion are found in Volvo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Skoda.
• The least durable are models from UAZ, Uz-Daewoo, and some mid-range Chinese brands that have started to improve but still struggle.
• Everything else sits in between the two groups.

Durability is boosted by galvanization, modern paints, and thoughtful design. The steel quality itself can matter too; Toyota is a noted example of this approach.

3. When should protection begin?

Car owners who expect not to drive a car for more than two or three years may justify delaying treatment. Yet today, prices jump and the market is tight, making the body the smart focal point of care regardless of age or season. As for manufacturer warranties against corrosion, claims are rarely straightforward, and dealer visits for regular checks are often a warranty condition in practice.

4. What are the anti-corrosion agents?

In terms of technology, anti-corrosion treatments fall into two broad categories, loosely described as Canadian and European methods.

In the Canadian approach, hidden cavities are filled with ML-type compounds that also coat the bottom and wheel arches. These penetrating formulations isolate the surface from oxygen and deliver corrosion inhibitors to treated areas, slowing the process.

*WHAT IS ML METHOD? Swedish chemist Sven Lurin, associated with Motormanneus Riksforbound, proposed injecting highly liquid oil-wax-based compounds into concealed cavities. If cavities are closed, drill holes in the body are necessary. The goal is to displace air and moisture from metal surfaces, slowing corrosion. The method earned the name Motormanneus Lurin, ML for short.

In the European variant, the underside and wheel arches receive additional bituminous coatings for extra protection.

5. Which method is better?

In Canada, the process is quick and cost-effective—roughly an hour, with a price around 15 to 25 thousand rubles. Preparation is light, and even thorough soil cleaning may be minimal.

ML compounds treat welds and folds effectively, and they are easy to apply because the coatings are translucent. A drawback is that these coatings wear away quickly under wind, gravel impacts, and road debris. Realistically, their protective life spans about a year, after which reapplication is needed.

European treatment is more expensive and time-consuming, often taking several hours to a day and costing considerably more. Surfaces are thoroughly washed and dried to prevent coating peeling, and the coating itself may not be visible through bituminous mastic. The payoff, however, is strong mechanical protection lasting 5–7 years.

6. Are drilling holes necessary?

The aim is to reach all hidden cavities with the protective material. Drilling extra holes and sealing them with plugs is a common method abroad. In the past, similar approaches were used in the USSR. Today, skilled technicians leverage easy cavity access, though some multi-section thresholds pose challenges. In such cases, customers are asked for consent to drilling. Modern vehicles require careful handling, even if it means a temporary wiring harness modification for access.

7. Is dealer-provided anti-corrosion protection worthwhile?

Sometimes treatments are presented as a multi-faceted service, bundled with other options. In particular, liquid wheel-arch coverings using bitumen-based rubber mastics promise both corrosion protection and improved sound insulation. In reputable workshops, the exhaust system should be protected, and components of the braking system kept free from residues that might interfere with performance.

8. Which products are favored?

The anti-corrosion market resembles the motor oil landscape: a few major brands dominate, while many smaller options appear. The most trusted names are Noxudol (also sold as Mercasol), Dinitrol, Waxoyl, Tectyl (less commonly used), Prim, and a European-origin Rust Stop product that is not common in Canada.

9. What do manufacturers say?

Automakers hold a range of views on additional anti-corrosion agents. A Jaguar Land Rover dealer may indicate refinishing is optional, but can be offered upon request. Mitsubishi suggests anti-corrosion benefits are worthwhile for cars of any age. Volvo notes no need for extra protection, though regular cleaning reduces corrosion risk. Renault brand guidance says factory treatment suffices but additional coatings can be used if the car is not subject to warranty restrictions. For certain models like VAZ, guidelines emphasize periodic treatment during the first year and annually thereafter, following manufacturer-developed procedures.

10. Do it yourself or rely on a shop?

A professional service delivers the best outcome; a small budget and time pressure may push owners toward DIY. If time and willingness allow, a straightforward anti-corrosion treatment using proven products is worth the investment. Even a basic approach is better than neglect—using modern corrosion inhibitors is ideal. The 21st century offers reliable materials that perform well when applied correctly.