Car Rust is One Thing But Flooring is Another – How Auto Dealers and Mechanics Can Protect Their Flooring From Rusting Up

Rusted Truck

 

Rust can be a big problem for auto maintenance workers. Outdoorsy vehicles, in particular, tend to rust if not properly made and maintained. It can slowly develop over time in auto dealerships, mechanics, repair shops, and auto detailer locations. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous and expensive to repair. In this article, learn some ways that mechanics and auto dealerships can maintain rust-free flooring.

What is Rust?

Rust is the name for iron oxide. All ferrous metal (i.e. steel, iron) products rust at one time or another. The oxidation of the iron in the metal changes its properties in many ways. One of the major problems that can arise is that the metal loses its strength and becomes weak and brittle, therefore it can be difficult to work with.

For automotive businesses, how rust works is a problem. Not only is it ugly, but it will also make the floor more likely to break or crack. Plus, there is a serious safety hazard associated with rusty floors. Not only can it be hard to work on and tough to maneuver around, but it can be a slipping hazard for employees. It can also stain clothing and other soft parts.

How Does Rust Develop?

There are many different factors that lead to rust developing. One of the biggest determiners of how fast it develops is the amount of humidity in a given area. The higher the humidity, the more likely it is that the metal will develop rust. Outdoorsy vehicles are exposed to high levels of humidity often and rust quickly if not properly cared for. In automotive businesses, open bays exposed the elements, and rusty vehicle parts increase this risk, including working on outdoor vehicles constantly exposed to rain and humidity. 

Here are some other factors that may contribute to the development of rust:

  • Chemical exposure – Some chemicals have strong corrosive effects on certain metals. If these chemicals are spilled on the floor, it can damage and rust the metal.
  • Tire debris – Tires wear down over time, especially when they are exposed to water and moisture around the auto mechanic shop. This can cause them to break apart into tiny pieces of rubber that fall off and end up in piles around the floor. This debris can also leave behind small pieces of glass, which can release glass shards that chip away at the hard surface.
  • Other factors – Some offices and auto shops use carpets or mats to protect the floor. If there are spills or if they use a high-quality floor product to prevent slipping, there will probably be stains on the floor that develop rust over time. Also, if there is a lot of traffic in and out of the facility, this can increase the risk of rust developing.

How Does Rust Spread?

Due to the aforementioned factors, rust develops on a microscopic level on unprotected metal components. The larger the chip or stain is, the faster it is likely to spread throughout a given floor. Over time, these chips and stains evolve and become larger. The larger they are, the harder they are to clean up. They will also take forever to repair or replace because of their size.

Ways to Prevent Rust from Spreading

There are many ways that auto repair shops and auto dealerships can prevent metal from rusting in their facilities. These include:

Regularly Clean Floors

One of the most common ways that rust can develop is from spills and accidents. If there is a spill, then it should be cleaned up as soon as possible. This is especially important in auto details and auto repair shops where there may be spills of paint, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or other chemicals. These substances will corrode the metal components they are spilled on.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

If there is a spill, then it should be cleaned up immediately. This is especially important in auto details and auto repair shops where there may be spills of paint, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or other chemicals. These substances will corrode the metal components they are spilled on.

Limit Moisture

One of the biggest ways that rust can develop is through rainfall. If there is a lot of rain, it can cause the metal components to rust. This is especially true in auto detail and auto repair shops where the floors are exposed directly to the elements through open bays.

Clean Up Soft Spills Immediately

If there are spills of soft materials like oil, antifreeze, or transmission fluid, then they should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Not only will these substances damage the metal components they are spilled on, but they will also attract rust and moisture to the area where they fell. This will cause the soft spot to develop rust over time.

Seal Floors

Open bays in auto maintenance shops and auto dealer locations are an ideal environment for rust to develop. In order to prevent this, it is possible to use a sealant to protect surfaces and reduce the risk of rust. It is important to use the right sealant for an area to prevent its exposure to moisture and oxygen exposure.

Perform Floor Inspections Regularly

It is important to perform regular floor inspections in auto repair shops and auto dealerships. These inspections will help identify areas where rust is developing or has already developed. It is also necessary to perform these inspections at times when there is not as much traffic on the floor.

There are many ways that auto repair shops and auto dealerships can minimize the chance of rust developing on their floors. These include regularly cleaning the floor, performing floor inspections to identify where rust has already developed, and using a sealant. It is much easier to prevent this from happening than it is to fix.