Rust prevention

Hey gang just a quick question, as to rust prevention. Backstory: bought the truck in 2017 from south Texas, it lived in FL (panhandle not super salty) until 2 years ago when we moved to VA “northernish state” and after these storms passed through last weekend the salt on the road is thick. I almost feel like I’m engaged in promiscuous fornication without protection.

So my question : should I just get a pressure washer and clean with water then treat (fluidfilm or wool wax) or should I wait until after the salty season is over and give everything a thorough cleaning on a lift then treat? Or just go to town with last weeks used engine oil?
Any particular products you could recommend? Best method to tackle existing surface rust before applying something that’ll be there for a while? I realize I’m probably thinking about this too hard but tired of debating and want to do something about it for peace of mind.

 

I would try and rinse it off the body and undercarriage with water.

Probably the sooner the better...

I'm assuming you will not have this happen regularly in your area?

If not, I would rinse and not worry about it.

If you think salted roads will be a regular thing, then I would probably try and coat it with something like FF, etc.

SPP

 

I'd wash it with the pressure washer once to get most of it off then again soon thereafter once its dry and you can see what remains. Then and only then i would apply the fluid film after it's dry a 2nd time.

But that's me. Others may argue that the fluid film will encapsulate the salt and prevent water from getting in there to act as a catalyst.

 

Agreed. Wash off the salt then protect it with Fluid Film/Wool Wax. There is also a new product called Surface Shield by PB Blast. I bought a few cans and it seems promising.

 

ah! This sounds really good and I like that it’s right up the street at HD, thank you!