California Clean: Why a Car from California is a Healthy Choice [Infographic]

Feeling Rusty

Rust, or iron oxide, comprises three oxygen atoms and two iron atoms and is the product of corrosion. Corrosion requires:

• An anode – Positively charged electrode
• A cathode – Negatively charged electrode
• An electrolyte – An ion

In cars, the metal acts as both anode and cathode. Water is an electrolyte.

• Even if your car is under cover, it can still develop rust from humidity.
• A relative humidity below 55% can prevent the formation of rust.
• It is virtually impossible for rust to form in clean air with a relative humidity less than 40%.

Salt acts as a more efficient electrolyte, making it easier for rust to form.

• In the winter, salt is frequently used to melt snow and ice on roads.

Parts of your car that are more susceptible to rust:

• Engine
• Chassis
• Frame
• Trunk
• Exhaust

The Problem with Rust

Rust can make your car appear dirty, but it also leads to more serious safety hazards.

• Weakens metal
• Creates holes
• Acts as an insulator (prevents proper conduction of electricity)
• Creates rough surfaces, causing moving parts to stick or grate against each other

Prevention

• Car paint seals your car’s metal body from moisture. Wash your car every two weeks and apply wax once a month to keep your paint job in pristine condition.
• Drivers in harsher environments should apply anti-rust spray or protective lubricant for an added layer of protection.
• If you plan to drive on icy, snowy roads covered in salt, wash your car more frequently, paying particular attention to the underside and wheel wells.
• Inspect your car frequently for bubbles, flakes, scratches, and other signs of rust damage.

Rust Repair

• For minor, cosmetic rust problems, sand away the rust and apply a primer and paint to the affected area.
• If the rust has eaten a hole into your car, grind down the affected area and repair the hole with body filler.
• Rust converters turn iron oxide into iron tannate, which is stable and won’t corrode metal. Most rust converters also contain polymers that add a protective primer coating.
• For extensive rust damage, consult a professional.

California Clean

Consider purchasing a car from California for less corrosion. Low Precipitation

• Average state humidity: 60%
• Average annual precipitation
  • Low: 2.9 inches (El Centro)
  • High: 35.2 inches (San Rafael)

• Compared to average annual precipitation in New York
  • Low: 34.3 inches (Rochester)
  • High: 62.8 inches (Slide Mountain)

Low Salt Content

• A generally low amount of snow and ice means no salt on the roads.
• Coastal mountains prevent salty ocean air from reaching inland.
• However, even cars found by the coast would require consistent contact with ocean water to develop rust.

Resources:

• http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/prevent-automotive-rust.htm
• http://chemistry.about.com/od/electrochemistry/a/How-To-Define-Anode-And-Cathode.htm
• http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/information/question565.htm
• http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/relative-humidity-production-process-d_511.html
• http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/buy-car-rust.html
• https://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=494
• http://www.usairnet.com/weather/maps/current/california/relative-humidity/
• http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/California/average-yearly-city-precipitation.php
• http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-York/average-yearly-precipitation.php

Find rust-free trucks sourced from California at Truck Site | trucksite.com