Rust Prevention Methods – Rust Proofing vs. Oil Undercoating
, by Maris Stekels, 4 min reading time
One of the biggest threats to your vehicle starts where you can’t see it – underneath.
Rust forms on the undercarriage, where moisture, salt, and grime accumulate and slowly eat away at metal parts. In the Baltics, this is especially relevant due to frequent road treatments and varying weather conditions throughout the year.
Why Rust Protection Matters in Latvia and the Baltics
Across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, road maintenance services use salt brine solutions in colder seasons to fight ice and snow. These are far more effective than traditional rock salt but also significantly more aggressive to vehicle components.
Brine easily seeps into hard-to-reach areas, stays in seams and cavities, and causes rust even when the rest of the car looks perfectly clean. Washing is no longer enough.
Carlat.com offers NHOU oil-based rust protection products – specially developed for long-lasting undercarriage care, no matter the season.
Rust Proofing vs. Oil Undercoating
▶️ Factory Rust Proofing
Many cars come with a rubberized undercoating from the factory. This works well for a few years but can crack or chip under Baltic road conditions – especially when gravel, stones, and salt are involved.
Drivers might think their vehicle is protected, but once water and salt slip behind the coating, corrosion can spread rapidly.
▶️ NHOU Oil Undercoating
NHOU oil-based coating is applied to a clean and dry vehicle undercarriage. If needed, small holes are drilled to let the oil flow into every joint, seam, and hidden surface.
Benefits of NH Oil Undercoating®:
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Does not dry out or drip
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Penetrates through existing rust and stops it from spreading
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Safe for wiring, paint, rubber, and plastic
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Eco-friendly, solvent-free, and non-conductive
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Lasts up to 12 months
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Self-healing – it flows back over scratches or abrasions
This protection stays flexible, meaning it continues to work even in harsh Baltic winters and humid coastal areas.
Rust = More Than Cosmetic Damage
In the Baltics, rust is not just an eyesore – it's a serious safety and financial issue.
Left untreated, it can affect suspension, braking, and structural integrity, lowering vehicle lifespan and resale value.
Baltic Trends & Real Costs
In recent years, body shops and dealerships in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have reported a rise in rust-related damage, particularly in imported used cars and newer vehicles that see regular road use.
The average rust repair in the region can cost €300–€700, depending on the location and severity. And that’s just for visible areas – rust underneath often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Regular oil undercoating costs significantly less and can prevent thousands in future repairs.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
You can now order NHOU rust prevention products online – with fast delivery across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia:
🔗 www.carlat.com
Also available at anete.lv and kneft.de
Perfect for:
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Passenger cars
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Commercial vans
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Trucks and agricultural vehicles
Key Benefits of NHOU:
✅ Penetrates and protects inside seams and joints
✅ Does not trap moisture – like rubberized coatings can
✅ Long-lasting performance in Baltic climate
✅ Protects both new and used vehicles
✅ Easy to apply – or use with your local mechanic
🔧 Moisture causes rust – not just winter.
If you live in the Baltics, your car is at risk year-round.
Take control and protect your vehicle today.
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