Waverly auto body owner recommends washing to get rid of rust and corrosion

During Iowa winters, salt and sand are applied to roads to help keep traveling safe. Unfortunately, these two same things can also raise havoc on your car, causing rust and corrosion.

“Years ago, it was pretty common to have rusty stuff. Anymore, factories have good corrosion protection going on,” Jim Butzlaff, owner of Butzlaff Auto Body in Waverly, said.

Butzlaff has been in the auto body business for over 50 years. He has seen all kinds of auto body problems in his shop, including rust and corrosion.

Butzlaff said that the average cost to repair rust and corrosion varies with severity and can cost anywhere from $100 to $400.

At the car wash

Simple steps can be taken to help prevent your car from rusting away. Butzlaff suggests washing your car as often as you can to help prevent the extra salt and sand from building up on your car.

Mike Burke, from Waterloo, said he tries to make it to the car wash about once per week during the winter. He says he likes to keep his car looking clean and also keep it from rusting away.

Butzlaff said he suggests putting an extra layer of wax on your car during the winter. The wax will help prevent the salt and sand from sticking to your paint, making it easier to wash off in the end.