
The Life Cycle of Rust
Rust is a relentless enemy of metal. What begins as a seemingly harmless orange stain can evolve into a severe structural compromise if left untreated and forgotten. Understanding the lifecycle of rust is essential not only for vehicle owners but for anyone responsible for maintaining metal infrastructure, machinery, or equipment.
Stage 1- The Surface Spot
It all begins with exposure. When bare metal comes into contact with moisture, oxygen, and salt, the process of corrosion is not only guaranteed but is likely to accelerate dramatically.
How can Dinitrol help?
Our versatile product range offers Dinitrol RC900, which converts any active and existing rust into a stable organic compound, halting corrosion at its root.
Stage 2- Localised Corrosion
If left untreated, rust will eat through the protective layer and begin to pits the surface, often out of sight inside cavities, wheel arches or beneath trim. Cavity corrosion can be the most dangerous of all as the damage isn’t visible to the naked eye.
How can Dinitrol help?
Dinitrol ML and Dinitrol 1000 are the popular duo among our cavity waxes. They both have qualities that penetrate deep into the unseen seams to neutralise any existing rust to form a long-term barrier. We offer 360 nozzles for this job, so the entire cavity section is getting coverage, especially because you’re doing the treatment blind.
Stage 3- Flaking and Material Loss
We’ve all seen a piece of metal where a simple tap makes the rust flake away. When this has set in, the structural thickness reduces, compromising the integrity of the parts.
How can Dinitrol help?
If you're lucky, a wire wheel or brush will reduce this rusted metal back to its original structure, and a treatment of Dinitrol 4941 can be applied. Our underbody corrosion coating will seal the surface and protect further against moisture.
Stage 4: Perforation or Mechanical failure
If no prior steps are taken, corrosion will eventually eat all the way through the metal, leaving holes. Components now completely lose their strength, and safety becomes compromised. The consequences of this could lead to MOT failures, too dangerous to drive, and costly structural repairs or write-offs.
Prevention is the best cure
Stopping rust early, or even better, preventing it entirely, is key to the longevity and safety of you and your vehicle. Dinitrol is the answer to this safety.
Protect your investment. Treat Early. Trust Dinitrol