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A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that left untreated will lead to corrosion and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let’s take a look at what Volkswagen says.
Information on corrosion protection can be found in the General Information Body Repair, Body Collision Repair manual, General Information Paint manual, vehicle-specific Body Repairs manual, and vehicle-specific Paint manual. Here you can find information on where and how to restore corrosion protection.
Per the General Information Body Repair, Body Collision Repair manual, Volkswagen states: “The standard corrosion protection should be reapplied after servicing with the specified materials by the manufacturer.” Volkswagen provides recommended products used to duplicate factory corrosion protection.
Volkswagen in the vehicle-specific Body Repairs manual illustrates the locations of adhesive and molded foam parts in the procedures. Information on replacing molded foam parts can be found in this area.
Information pertaining to seam sealers is found in the General Information Body Repair, and Body Collision Repair manuals. Per the Corrosion Protection area of the manual states:
- “Apply sealant to only primed panels”
- “Completely seal panel overlap, panel edges, butt joints, weld seams, etc. with sealant.”
The vehicle-specific Paint manual includes illustrations showing the location of seam sealer, cavity wax, and undercoat.
Always follow OEM repair procedures for all repairs. Failure to follow corrosion protection guidelines can lead to premature failure on a repair. Using the proper corrosion protections will ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
For additional information and links to Volkswagen vehicles, check out the Volkswagen OEM page.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: Volkswagen
- Corrosion Protection Guidelines
- Step-By-Step: Accessing Volkswagen Repair Information
Related I-CAR Courses
Article validated in 2024