DANGERS OF RUST

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 9

DANGERS OF RUST

Serious structural weakness can develop in modern cars through rust. In most present day cars the body acts as the chassis and such weakness results from the rusting of comparatively thin metal. Dangerous rusting, not obvious even when the car is examined from underneath, can develop inside the “box” sections along the base of the body of the car. This rust is caused by water trapped inside the sections. Caps or drilled holes are usually provided to allow water to escape and it is important to ensure that they should not be filled either with paint or anti-rust undercoating. In some cases extra drain holes may be required; about Jin. diameter holes are large enough. Floor mats should be lifted regularly to check that the floor of the body has not been attacked by rust. The floor contributes a great deal to the car’s structural strength. If the floor is wet, it should be allowed to dry out thoroughly and the body should be checked for weather leaks.

Dragging The Tail Often drivers drag their cars’ exhaust or petrol tanks on the ground when they -cross a deep depression on back-country roads, or ford a stream with steep banks, because they approach the obstacle incorrectly. Where there is room, you should cross obstacles of this type on the sharpest possible angle so that, for instance, when one rear wheel is in the depression, the other is on higher ground. This will either prevent the bodywork or chassis from touching the ground, or at least lessen the impact. Where the road or track is so narrow that it is impossible to do other than cross at right angles, drive as slowly as possible, and, if necessary, make passengers