Rust and Corrosion Repairs in Tyne and Wear

Rust starts where moisture and salt can sit against bare metal. On a car, that tends to mean wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, seams, the area around the screen and anywhere a stone chip or scrape has exposed the metal. Living in the North East, with damp weather and winter road treatment, means it is worth checking regularly.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we carry out rust and corrosion repairs as part of our accident and body repair work. This page explains how corrosion is judged, what repair involves and why early action matters.

Signs of corrosion

The earliest sign is often small bubbles under the paint, which means rust is forming beneath the surface and pushing the paint up. Brown staining, flaking and crumbling edges are later stages. Holes mean the metal has gone entirely.

• Bubbling or blistering paint
• Brown streaks running from seams or edges
• Flaking or crumbly metal at wheel arches and sills
• Visible holes or soft, damaged areas
• Rust around windscreen or window seals

Surface rust or something deeper

Light surface rust can sometimes be treated by removing it back to clean metal, treating, priming and repainting. Once rust has eaten through the metal, treating the surface is not enough. The affected metal has to be cut out and new, sound metal welded in.

Because corroded metal can look more solid than it is, we judge the extent only after inspecting and, where needed, removing paint and filler. We therefore cannot promise a repair route before we have seen the area.

Where safety and the MOT come in

Corrosion matters most when it affects structural areas such as sills, chassis members, suspension mounting points and seatbelt anchorages. Weak metal there can compromise how the car behaves in a collision and how it handles. Excessive corrosion in structural areas can also be a reason a vehicle fails its MOT.

If you can see holes or flaking metal near these areas, get the car inspected soon and avoid heavy loads or long journeys until it has been looked at. Do not simply paint over it.

What affects the cost and the longevity of the repair

The size and location of the rust, whether the panel can be repaired or replaced, how much welding is needed and the paint work after all affect the price. Corrosion on a bolt-on panel is simpler than on a welded section.

Repair quality depends on removing every trace of rust, not just the visible part, and sealing the repair properly afterwards. Ask us what protection is applied. Keeping the car washed, including underneath, and touching in chips early helps slow it returning.