Introduction To Vehicle Corrosion

History of Vehicle Corrosion

Before the 1950’s, automobile owners reported no evidence of corrosion related problems. The first signs of automobile corrosion appeared on the year 1955. As the years pass by, localized corrosion of 430 stainless steel (1960), Galvanic corrosion (1965), Body perforation (1970), Corrosion of anodized aluminum (1980), and reports of 434 stainless steel marginal performance (1985) were all gradually recorded. By the year 1990’s, regular reports of body perforation has already evolved to become a major problem in the automobile industry.

Vehicle Coating

Many of the coatings used to prevent or slow corrosion can have specific vulnerabilities.

The existence of anodic and cathodic sites on the surface of vehicle body implies that differences in electrical potential are found on the surface. These potential differences have a number of causes.

One important mechanism is oxygen concentration cell corrosion, in which the oxygen concentration in the electrolyte varies from place to place.

Common Corroded Areas