Check the Region of Origin, How to Avoid Rust-prone Used Cars
Buying a used car isn’t just about a shiny exterior or a clean interior. One crucial factor buyers should not overlook is the region of origin of the vehicle.
The history of where a car has been used naturally affects the condition of the chassis and underbody, particularly in relation to rust and corrosion risks.
According to Gazoel Amin, owner of the inspection service Bantu Cek, buyers should trace the vehicle’s origin through official documents such as the purchase invoice and the address listed on the STNK (the vehicle registration certificate).
Amin explains that vehicles that have spent long periods operating in coastal regions are more prone to oxidation due to exposure to salty air and high humidity. Salt carried by sea winds can cling to the undercarriage and chassis, triggering rust in the long term.
Additionally, cars from mining companies carry their own risks. The working environment full of dust, mud, and extreme road contours makes the underside of the vehicle work harder. If underbody maintenance is not performed regularly, the potential for corrosion and structural damage can increase.
The same applies to operational vehicles that transport seafood products. Direct exposure to salt water, plus residual fluids dripping onto the underside of the car, accelerates the oxidation process on the chassis and metal components.
Nevertheless, Amin adds that not every car from these regions is necessarily problematic. Some owners have taken extra precautions from the outset by coating the underside with an anti-corrosion liquid such as Flinkote. “If it has already been treated with an anti-corrosion coating on the chassis and underbody from new, it is usually safer against oxidation. That can be a plus, provided the application is correct and not simply covering old rust,” he said.
Don’t be easily swayed by a clean-looking exterior, because corrosion is often hidden in areas that are hard to spot, yet crucial to the car’s safety and longevity.