C30 - Where are the highest-risk areas for rust?

NateTheGreat · Post by **NateTheGreat** » 18 Nov 2020, 08:34

My 2012 C30 R-Design has spent all its life (nearly 150k miles so far) in states that use road salt (NC, TN, MO), but this will be my first winter in Michigan, where a quick glance at some of the cars and trucks on the road will tell you that rust is a bigger problem up here. While Volvos certainly seem to resist corrosion better than many other makes, I'm still planning on being a little more proactive when it comes to rust-proofing. I'm going to be doing a rear suspension refresh in the next few weeks, and figure I'll hit the subframe and various components with Liquid Film or similar while I'm at it.

But my question is: what areas of the body of these cars are at the greatest risk of rust, and how do you all help protect your cars? I'm especially concerned that the plastic trim around the wheel wells will trap salt water against the metal body there, but that might be an unfounded fear. Any suggestions welcome.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 18 Nov 2020, 12:10

NateTheGreat wrote: ↑18 Nov 2020, 08:34
how do you all help protect your cars? Any suggestions welcome.

I found this video interesting on how he protects / showcase the undercarriage. Just keep it out of the brakes and once or twice a year would seem to work well.
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NateTheGreat · Post by **NateTheGreat** » 18 Nov 2020, 19:26

Huh, that's detailed (pun intended). Thanks for the video, that certainly helps as far as choosing some products.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 19 Nov 2020, 11:48

NateTheGreat wrote: ↑18 Nov 2020, 19:26
Huh, that's detailed (pun intended). Thanks for the video, that certainly helps as far as choosing some products.

The difficult part for us is getting the cars high enough off the ground. I do have some really tall Jacks Stands and Jack so will give some of those products a try. It may attract some dirt in the beginning but will be much, much easier to wash off.

https://www.costco.com/cat-3-ton-low-pr ... 07254.html

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-LifT-T-6906D ... 184&sr=8-4

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forum ... ack+recall

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NateTheGreat · Post by **NateTheGreat** » 19 Nov 2020, 12:43

I have a high-lift service jack (and basic stands, but they get high enough and aren't Harbor Freight), so that shouldn't be a problem. I do also have a gravel driveway though, so can really only safely lift the car in the garage. I might end up just using some mild degreaser and a squirt bottle of water for the undercarriage, since that'll be more reasonable in the garage.