Don't Forget the Corrosion Protection

(Figure 1) Rail on left has no corrosion protection applied. The rail on the right has correct corrosion protection.

Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean you don't need it. Think inside pillars, inside rocker panels, inside rails, in the bottom of door shell cavities, and on the backsides of panels. Can you name the corrosion protection material that is often overlooked?

That's right, it's anti-corrosion compound also known as cavity wax. This material is made to be applied to these areas on both steel and aluminum vehicles alike, and yes, it really is that important.

Take a look at Figure 1. A sectioning joint was made on both rails, then they were placed in a salt chamber. Engineers use a salt chamber to simulate real world environments in a short period of time. This test shows what could happen in approximately five years of driving conditions. It's not too hard to see which repair is the better quality and will stand the test of time. Which rail do you want your name on?


Related I-CAR Courses


Article validated in 2025

  • Your 2025 Favorites: Top Articles Friday, 16 January 2026

    As 2026 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...

  • Digital Key Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Nissan/INFINITI Position Statements: Advanced Driver Assistance System Components Thursday, 8 January 2026

    Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: RTS 2025 Year In Review - Now Available Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.

  • Ford On Target 2025: Volume 4 Monday, 5 January 2026

    Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.

  • Structural Sectioning Procedures: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Friday, 19 December 2025

    Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Hyundai Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Genesis Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...