How to evaluate if the rust is going to cause problems in the future & how fast when buying used cars.

When evaluating rust on a used car, it's important to keep in mind that rust can vary in severity and progression rate depending on several factors such as climate, maintenance history, and previous exposure to salt or moisture. While it's challenging to predict an exact timeline for when rust will become problematic, there are some general steps you can take to assess the rust on a vehicle and make an informed decision:

Thoroughly inspect the exterior: Look for any visible rust on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and under the car. Check for bubbling paint, flaking metal, or areas where the paint has chipped off.

Check structural components: Pay attention to structural parts like the frame, suspension components, and undercarriage. Rust in these areas can compromise the safety and integrity of the vehicle.

Assess the severity: Determine the extent of the rust. Surface rust, where the rust has not yet penetrated the metal, is generally less concerning than structural rust, which compromises the strength of the affected components.

Probe the rusted areas: Use a screwdriver or other suitable tool to gently probe any rusted areas. If the metal feels soft, spongy, or flakes off easily, it indicates advanced corrosion and potential structural damage.

Look for signs of recent repairs: Check for signs of patchwork or fresh paint that may be hiding rust issues. Such repairs might be an indicator that the rust problem has been addressed in the past.

Consider the vehicle's age and mileage: Older vehicles with higher mileage are more prone to rust, so it's essential to pay extra attention to these areas during the inspection.

Get a professional inspection: If you're uncertain about evaluating rust on your own, it's advisable to have a trusted mechanic or body shop inspect the car thoroughly. They can provide a more detailed assessment of the vehicle's condition.

Regarding passing the PA vehicle inspection, requirements can vary by state and can change over time. It's best to consult the specific guidelines provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or contact a local inspection station for up-to-date information.

Remember, rust is a progressive issue, and its rate of growth depends on various factors. Regular maintenance, such as rustproofing, applying rust inhibitors, and addressing rust spots promptly, can help slow down the progression. However, it's important to note that once rust has set in, it can be challenging and expensive to fully eradicate it.

Ultimately, when considering a used car, it's crucial to weigh the severity of the rust against the overall condition of the vehicle, its price, and your budget for potential future repairs.

The rate at which a rust spot grows can vary depending on various factors such as humidity, temperature, exposure to moisture, and the condition of the vehicle's paint and protective coatings. Rust typically occurs when iron or steel comes into contact with oxygen and moisture.

It's important to note that rust doesn't grow exponentially like a doubling in size with every passing day. Instead, it typically progresses gradually over time. The exact rate of rust growth is difficult to determine precisely as it depends on the specific conditions and the initial size and severity of the rust spot.

In a moist climate like Pennsylvania, with above-average speeds of rusting, a rust spot can continue to grow over several weeks or months. However, it's unlikely to double in size in as short a period as 30 or 60 days, especially if the vehicle is parked and not exposed to additional moisture or driving conditions that could accelerate the process.

The rate of rust growth is generally influenced by factors such as the level of moisture, the presence of contaminants, the thickness of the metal, and the overall condition of the vehicle's paint and protective coatings. Regular maintenance, such as washing and waxing the vehicle, can help slow down the progression of rust.

To determine the absolute shortest amount of time needed for a rust spot to double in size would require specific data on the conditions and the particular rust spot in question, which is not possible to provide without examining the spot itself.

If you're concerned about the progression of rust on your vehicle, it's recommended to have it inspected by a professional automotive technician or a body shop. They can provide a more accurate assessment of the situation and offer guidance on how to address the rust issue effectively.

Hi:

I live in western PA near Pittsburgh. I do have both my emission and safety inspection licenses. Here is the thing. You are not allowed to have any rust holes where it can enter the passenger compartment, so in this case, it already needs to be repaired for a state safety inspection.

As far as the amount of time it needs to get to a point where it becomes structurally unsound is very difficult to say. There are many variables that cause rust to happen quickly. One variable is allowing the vehicle to sit undriven. When that happens, the vehicle undercarriage never really has any airflow and stays damp. Additionally, any time you park a vehicle on a dirt or gravel driveway, which allows moisture to come out of the ground and attack the undercarriage. The worst thing would be to park it over the grass and not move it.

So, the idea of how long it will take is tough. If you just let it sit the way it is presently, you will see little change over the period of a year, but it will change. Don't laugh but if you don't mind doing it, spray used motor oil on the rusted area and up inside the rocker and then drive it on a dusty road. The dust will stick to the oil keeping it in place. That will slow the rusting process. Additionally, there is a product called Fluid Film that is excellent at preventing and slowing rust. It comes in an aerosol can similar to a paint can. You could check the area and spray that on it to help slow the rusting process also. You can get it on Amazon or at most parts stores.

All in all, it is difficult to provide a specific time period simply because there are so many different variables. Although I don't feel the vehicle is structurally compromised at this point, it would still fail state safety due to the possibility of exhaust fumes entering the vehicle. To pass, the hole needs to be covered and sealed. Some people would just throw body filler in it and that is fine.

Also, please keep in mind, I can't see anything under the vehicle. For example, the tracking bar/control arm bolts behind the rocker to the subframe. That is very important to keep solid. If rusted there, then is will become a safety issue. (See pic below)

I hope this helps. If you have other questions, please let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.