Silverado undercoating

Motox6 · November 2, 2015

Just bought a new 2015 Silverado crew cab 4WD truck. Dealer offered to have it under coated. Instead id like to have a local town shop undercoat it the same. Will either or both void the rust through warrenty? Been reading online. Can't find a definite answer. Thanks

amc31b · November 3, 2015

What do you mean by "under coating", that can mean a lot of things?

If you mean under coating as in the rubberized spray undercoating, I don't recommend it. That stuff only lasts a few years and can trap water and contaminates and make rust and corrosion worse.

If you mean undercoating as in an oil based rust preventative, maybe. You absolutely must not get the oil based rust proofer on the box frame or any part of the under carriage that has GM's awful black waxy coating. The oil based rust preventers make the black frame coating dissolve and fall off, leaving bare metal. If you want to spray the non coated parts, with an oil based rust preventer, go for it, but I still don't think its necessary.

Personally, I wouldn't do any of it. I would just rinse your undercarriage with a fairly weak, home owner grade pressure washer once a week if you live in a place that has bad winters and uses salt on the roads. Rinsing away all the salt and grime is your best bet to keep your undercarriage clean and rust free.

Cowpie · November 8, 2015

I have had my last 3 vehicle all done at the dealership before I drove off with Auto Armor paint protection and sealant, Auto Armor rustproofing, and Auto Armor undercoating. I live on rural gravel roads in Iowa. Lots of nasty stuff throughout the year. I have never had any rust issues on Jeeps or pickups since i started doing this at the time I bought it and before it got one bit of dirt on it. Washing the undercarriage is not all the viable an option for us. I can't even keep the pickup clean for 24 hrs unless it is only sitting in the garage. Serious muddy roads whenever it rains or during spring melt. Just going down the road after a rain and we are throwing rooster tails of mud in the air. Iowa really likes to throw down the anti icing stuff on roads in the winter also. It is an investment that is well worth it. Auto Armor as applied at the dealership will not void any warranty. For occasional spot protection on metal, I have grown real fond of Amsoil's HD Metal Protector. About $6-$7 an aerosol can. I get it by the case and use it a lot on my commercial semi trucks.

sensinitas · December 18, 2015

Bump for this topic. I just dropped my '16 Sierra off at the detailer for a clear bra. Spoke with them about underbody protection. Didn't realize I could get this from the dealer, otherwise would have worked it into the loan.

Anyone else have feedback?

Cowpie · January 4, 2016

I am surprised the dealer didn't mention it at time of sale. It is a up sale for them. For the last couple of decades, I have always gotten new vehicles rust proofed and undercoated immediately, either at the dealer, or right down the road at another place. Don't even take my new vehicles home first before having the job done.

amc31b · January 5, 2016

None of the dealers in my area have even remotely mentioned any sort of underbody protection or rust proofing. If it is reasonably priced, I am sure it would sell like glasses of ice water in hell. Judging by the large number of angry posts about rust on these gm trucks, not too many folks here (or their dealers for that matter) have ever heard of it either.....

I am not calling you out cowpie, I am just stating the obvious.

Cowpie · January 5, 2016

Sure does seem strange. My last three vehicles (1 jeep, 2 Silverados), all from different dealers, every one offered some form of rust proofing and undercoating package before the deal was done. Could be just a regional thing. I got all three the last time.... Auto Armor rust proofing, Auto Armor undercoating, and Auto Armor paint protection. 7 year warranty on the paint protection product, renewable with reapplication of the paint protection product. 10 year warranty on the rust proofing and underbody stuff. I would have to dig out the invoice to see the actual cost, but I felt it was reasonable at the time. I think the stuff is only offered thru auto dealerships, but I could be wrong.

https://www.ecpinc.net

On the paint product. there are some videos on You Tube where they apply fire to the paint and the stuff protects the finish.

WilliamBos · January 6, 2016

That gm wax frame coating is garbage, they should paint the frames. Every truck ive had with it on it has rusted from the road salt and chemicals that get sprayed on the roads up here.

I got my 11 krown'd, bought it back in March. The frame still looks good, plan on keeping it that way.

martha3065 · January 17, 2016

Also interested in feedback here. I'll be picking up a truck in the next week and have been given the option. I might be interested if they offer a warranty with the product. What price is reasonable? Initial offer from the dealer was 395 each for paint, rust, and undercoat. They quickly went to 695 for rust and undercoat.

newdude · January 18, 2016

How about from the warranty booklet provided by GM with your new truck for GM's position on it?

After-Manufacture “Rustproofing”
Your vehicle was designed and built to resist corrosion. Application of additional rust-inhibiting materials is neither necessary nor required under the Sheet Metal Coverage. GM makes no recommendations concerning the usefulness or value of such products.

Application of after-manufacture rustproofing products may create an environment which reduces the corrosion resistance built into your vehicle. Repairs to correct damage caused by such applications are not covered under your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Cowpie · January 19, 2016

Seems like a moot point if the aftermarket protection came with warranty, was offered and applied by dealer, etc. not really any serious conflicts to resolve.