Cars of all makes and models can – and do – fall victim to rust. It can strike in almost any location of the vehicle, be that internal or external.
Aside from being unattractive, it can compromise the integrity of the affected part (or parts) of your vehicle.
If oxidation strikes your vehicle, however, there is one potential savior: the rust remover.
In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the best rust removers for cars on the market today, so you can choose one that you’re confident is right for you. You won’t have to despair every time an orange-red patch appears on your vehicle!
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll also have learned all about what substances go into making these products, as well as how they work.
We’ll also explain what separates rust removers from rust converters, since lots of people seem to mix them up for being the same thing – while in reality, they’re not.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Rust Removers
- Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover
- Biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly effective. What’s not to love?
- KRUD KUTTER MR32 The Must For Rust Trigger Spray
- Functions as a remover, protective agent, and also a primer on galvanized metal.
- WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak
- Works best on individual parts rather than spread-out areas of corrosion, but it gets the job done quickly and is highly effective on both light and heavy damage.
- Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver
- Dissolves rust quickly and is far easier to apply than other products.
- Boeshield Rust Free
- Biodegradable and ideal for removing less serious surface oxidation before it gets worse.
- Permatex 81756-12PK Rust Dissolver Gel
- This one’s highly toxic, so protective gear is needed, but it will dissolve rust that’s at a more advanced stage.
- Turtle Wax T-280RA Chrome Polish & Rust Remover
- Our top pick for culling corrosion on the chrome trimmings of your vehicle.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices, and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Rust Removers
- 2 Best Rust Remover – A Detailed Look at Our Top Recommendations
- 3 What Is a Rust Remover? How Does It Work?
- 4 Rust Removers vs. Rust Converters
- 5 The Benefits of Getting Rid of Rust
- 6 What Are the Different Types of Rust Removers for Cars?
- 7 What Should You Look for in a Rust Remover?
- 8 Conclusion
Best Rust Remover – A Detailed Look at Our Top Recommendations
Keep reading to get familiar with our top recommendations and see if there’s one on this list that fits your needs.
Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover
The name of this product tells you everything you need to know about its toxicity (or lack thereof). This solution is an effective weapon against corrosion, and at the same time, you’ll take comfort in knowing that it isn’t a dangerous chemical.
The formula is acid-free and water-based. This means that it won’t cause harm to non-corroded metal surfaces. It’s rated as safe to use on plastics, the majority of paints – automotive and otherwise. Users who care about the environment will also be happy to know that the ingredients are biodegradable.
Another major benefit this product has to offer is ease of use. Scrubbing or sanding won’t be necessary – all you’ll have to do is drop the parts you’re treating in the solution and wait.
Since it’s not toxic, you won’t have to gear up with gloves or protective eyewear, and there’s no pungent chemical odor.
Treatment time will vary based on the size of the parts and how badly corroded they are, but users have reported anywhere from a few hours, leaving it overnight, and up to several days – again, depending on the situation at hand.
One bottle of any quantity will likely last you for a long time, and the liquid is reusable, avoiding waste and saving you having to buy refills.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features List
- Bottle capacity: 1 gallon.
- Also available as 32 ounces, 3 gallons, and 5 gallons.
- 1 gallon can treat up to 268 grams of corrosion.
- Liquid soaking solution.
- Non-toxic and biodegradable.
- Acid-free.
- Won’t damage unrusted steel, PVC, plastics, and most paints.
What We Like
- Doesn’t require protective equipment.
- Environmentally-friendly.
- No fumes.
- Minimal preparation.
- Can’t harm surrounding areas.
- Easy to use.
- Reusable.
- Long-lasting.
What We Don’t Like
- Can take a bit of time to work.
- Might be difficult to apply on non-removable components (such as the vehicle body).
Summary
This is a great choice for users looking to treat corrosion on smaller parts such as engine brackets or brake rotors. People who fear using toxic, acidic chemicals will also appreciate this biodegradable product.
Krud-Kutter – The Must for Rust
Krud-Kutter is a phosphoric-acid-based rust remover spray that can destroy oxidation almost anywhere on your car. It works on all sorts of metal surfaces, from aluminum and chrome to iron and steel. This liquid is also appropriate for galvanized metals.
The standout feature of Krud-Kutter is versatility. You can apply the liquid to your vehicle’s coolant system to break down corrosion deposits, and you can also circulate it with your coolant for a thorough cleaning.
This product can be used as a protective agent as well as a remover. On bare metal, it can inhibit corrosion for up to 12 months.
If all that isn’t enough for you, the spray can also function as a primer on galvanized metal. Paint will bond directly to the treated area.
The treatment process is fast and hassle-free. On iron or steel surfaces, you should see results within 30 minutes. For mild degradation, you may even be able to wipe it off several minutes later.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features List
- Bottle capacity: 32 ounces.
- May be available in other sizes.
- 32 ounces treats 50 to 75 feet of corrosion.
- Liquid spray.
- Compatible with stainless steel, iron, aluminum, galvanized metal, and chrome.
- Can be used in coolant systems.
- Inhibits corrosion for up to one year on bare metal.
- Treated areas can be painted over directly.
- Ideal temperature for application: 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
What We Like
- Versatile applications.
- Protects bare metal against corrosion.
- Can be purchased as spray only or with a brush included.
- Serves as a paint primer.
- Detailed instructions.
- Simple treatment.
- Acts rapidly.
What We Don’t Like
- Might damage painted surfaces.
- Hazardous substance (contains acid).
Summary
This quick-acting spray can eradicate corrosion almost anywhere on your automobile. It’ll also shield naked metal from oxidizing for up to a year.
WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak
WD-40 is well-known for is line of lubricants and you can expect the same quality from this soaking solution.
If you have corroded parts that can be removed from your car, this WD-40 rust remover is a great choice. You can also keep it on hand as a quick solution to flash oxidation on susceptible parts such as drum brake shoes.
To begin with, the liquid is acid-free. That means no worries about grave injuries, nasty fumes, or damage to the parts you treat. It also won’t cause harm to rubber gaskets or other types of plastic trim. This product is also both biodegradable and non-toxic.
With that being said, don’t assume that low toxicity equates to weakness, as the liquid is strong enough to dissolve corrosion ranging from mild to severe.
Treatment time can range from several hours to over a day depending on how rusty the item you’re working on is.
Other than that, there’s little effort required on your part. You’ll have to clean dirt, debris, and oil from the area beforehand, but that’s about it.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features List
- Bottle capacity: 1 gallon.
- Available as a single bottle or a pack of four.
- Liquid soaking solution.
- Compatible with all sorts of metals (chrome, cast iron, etc).
- Not harmful to rubber or plastic.
- Non-toxic and biodegradable.
- Acid-free.
- Reusable.
What We Like
- Reputable manufacturer.
- Works better on heavy rust than many other rust removers.
- Eco-friendly.
- Non-toxic.
- Powerful against light to moderate corrosion.
- Easy to rinse off.
What We Don’t Like
- Solution may not be reusable after use on badly-corroded parts.
- Might be costly to treat multiple severely rusted items.
Summary
Those of you who want a strong soaking solution for smaller components, look no further. This product is good for removing surface oxidation quickly and effectively, and can work on serious corrosion too.
This gel remover is perfect for getting rid of oxidation on vertical surfaces.
As with most jelly corrosion fighters, this product is potent. You don’t want to get it anywhere but on the red-orange patches.
Fortunately, the thick consistency makes application easy. You can use a paintbrush to precisely dab the jelly on the affected area and leave it to dissolve the oxidation. Unless you slather it on, it’s not likely to drip where it shouldn’t.
On light to moderate oxidation, you can expect results quickly. The maximum treatment time is 30 minutes, but note that badly corroded areas may need more than one application.
When it’s time to remove the gel, you can either spray your automobile down with the hose or wipe the jelly off with a wet cloth.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features List
- Bottle capacity: 16 ounces.
- Also available in 8 ounces or a pack of six 16-ounce bottles.
- Compatible with iron and steel surfaces.
- Not suitable for chrome, plastics, fiberglass, or aluminum.
- Works in 15–30 minutes. Severe corrosion may require multiple applications.
What We Like
- Works rapidly.
- Thick for easy application.
- Ideal for vertical surfaces (e.g. doors).
- Highly effective on mild to moderate oxidation.
- Can be sprayed or wiped off with water.
What We Don’t Like
- Might damage surrounding surfaces (e.g. paint).
- Requires protective gear for application.
Summary
Loctite Naval Jelly is a good rust stain remover spray gel for dissolving corrosion on vertical surfaces in or on your car. As long as you apply it thinly, this viscous jelly shouldn’t drip.
Boeshield Rust Free
This one is great for vehicles with mild cases of corrosion. There’s no need to purchase a heavy-duty product for light rust.
This liquid spray is effective at getting rid of corrosion as soon as you spot it, and you can keep a bottle around as a preventative.
A weaker active ingredient isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, especially considering that you don’t always need something stronger.
With this product, there’s less concern about inadvertently causing damage, and there’s also decreased risk of tarnishing or burning through bare metal.
Applying this spray couldn’t be any easier. For surface patches, spray the liquid on a rag and wipe them down. If you’re aiming to remove heavier oxidation, apply it directly to the corroded surface and scrub. Soap and water will be enough to clear off residue and neutralize the acid.
The formula is biodegradable, which is always an appealing feature for eco-friendly car owners.
You can use this liquid on most metal surfaces: steel, cast iron, and chrome. It’s also suitable for fiberglass and vinyl.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features
- Bottle capacity: 8 ounces.
- Liquid spray.
- May be available in other sizes.
- Compatible for cast iron, steel, fiberglass, vinyl, and chrome surfaces.
- Can also be used on porcelain and tile.
- Biodegradable.
What We Like
- Eco-friendly.
- Simple to apply.
- Effective at removing rust stains from surfaces.
- Multi-use product.
- Protects surfaces against degradation.
- Less damaging than other brands.
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t work as well on moderate to severe oxidation.
- Strong smell—requires a mask, otherwise you might be bothered.
- Might cause spotting if sprayed directly on corroding surface.
Summary
Boeshield’s remover is ideal for removing less serious surface oxidation before it gets worse.
You can keep a bottle handy as a security measure, as there’s no reason to wait until you absolutely need to use a tougher chemical.
Permatex Rust Dissolver Gel
This gel dissolver is for vehicle owners dealing with advanced corrosion. When using this product, you may be able to avoid scrubbing and sanding your corroded steel and iron.
You can use it on chrome in increments of five minutes. It’ll also suit users with oxidation on vertical surfaces.
The thick consistency is resistant to dripping, so it should stay where you apply it. You can apply the gel with a Q-tip for precision or brush it on for larger areas.
You don’t need thick coats for this product to be effective, and the 8-ounce bottle should last you for a while. That being said, if your metal is in bad shape, repeat applications may be required. With less serious corrosion, you should see results quickly.
This gel can eat through oxidation rapidly to reveal the bare metal underneath. When used properly, surface rust will look as if it was never there to begin with.
If you do accidentally get it on your paint, you’ll have a short window to remove the gel before it causes discoloration, so be sure to act fast in case anything like that were to happen!
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features
- Bottle capacity: 8 ounces.
- Available as one bottle or a pack of 12.
- Gel.
- Compatible for all steel and iron surfaces.
What We Like
- Can remove severe oxidation.
- Cleans off with water.
- Doesn’t drip.
- Can be used on chrome.
- Highly effective on mild to moderate oxidation.
- Doesn’t require thick coats.
What We Don’t Like
- Can damage painted surfaces if left on too long.
- Severe corrosion may require multiple applications and some elbow grease.
- Toxic, so be sure to wear protective gloves when working with it.
Summary
This gel can be used to tackle grave oxidation or can be kept around for mild cases.
Don’t be fooled by the smaller bottle, as you really shouldn’t need buckets of this substance to get good results.
Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover
Chrome trimmings on our vehicles are always visible. Your grille, your fenders—they’re often one of the first things people notice about your car. If you’re a fan of detailing your automobile, or you have a classic model that you’re proud to show the world, spotless chrome is part of the image you’ll want to maintain.
This product by Turtle Wax is designed to remove corrosion on chrome. As you may expect from the manufacturer, this liquid also works as a polish, helping you achieve that perfect shine.
Other common issues, such as dullness or water stains, should disappear as well. It also protects the treated surface from rusting again.
To apply it, all you’ll need is a microfiber cloth or paper towels. Let the liquid sit on your chrome for a few minutes, and then wipe it off once it has dried. There’s no need to scrub at the oxidation or leave the substance to sit for a long time.
With all these potential uses, this is a very practical product to keep around. You can use it regularly just for polishing, or keep a bottle just in case corrosion appears after a long winter or a bout of humid weather.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Features
- Bottle capacity: 12 ounces.
- Liquid.
- Suitable for all chrome surfaces.
What We Like
- Well-known manufacturer.
- Multipurpose product.
- Excellent at removing surface corrosion.
- Polished, mirror-like finish.
- Protective.
- Simple to apply.
- Works quickly.
What We Don’t Like
- Might stain surrounding surfaces.
Summary
Users who take pride in their vehicles will definitely appreciate this remover. Not only will it get rid of corrosion, but it might rejuvenate all your chrome trimmings at the same time.
What Is a Rust Remover? How Does It Work?
The purpose of these chemical-based products is pretty straightforward. As you may have guessed by the name, they work on rust removal from metal surfaces. This can be anywhere, from your car’s body to the undercarriage or wheel rims.
The form of the remover will influence how and where you can use it. That being said, the majority of rust removers for cars use acids of varying strengths to target oxidation in an effective way. Certain products can also serve as a base for automotive paint, or protect from future corrosion.
Rust Removers vs. Rust Converters
You may have heard these terms used interchangeably, but they are far from the same. When put to use, these two products will get you entirely different results.
Rust removal products are formulated to completely remove rust. On the other hand, and as the name implies, rust converters transform (or convert) the corroding metal. They are typically a mix of weaker acids and polymeric compounds.
A large range of materials, synthetic or organic, can be polymerized. This just means that the substance has undergone chemical changes.
Polymers have lots of practical applications, particularly when it comes to automobiles and related products. They can be designed to be temperature-resistant, provide structure, bond to certain surfaces, and more.
A rust converter bonds to the oxidized metal and converts it into something more manageable. You’ll see the hydrated iron oxide turn from bright, reddish-orange into blue-black. The chemicals work to seal off the treated area, thereby preventing any further spreading. The patch or spot will retain the same shape and size but won’t continue to grow.
Many converters serve as paint primers as well, and you can paint directly over the treated section without issue. This is helpful if you prefer to hide the ugly patch that remains.
In contrast to converters, removers typically destroy every last trace of the corrosion. You will have to prime the naked metal before proceeding to paint the treated area.
Removers are typically the better alternative when converters are ineffective. If the rust buildup is severe, a converter might not be enough.
Similarly, corrosion can sometimes form again in the treated area or start spreading again. This can happen if you aren’t thorough enough with the application or if the converter is weak.
With a remover, you know that there won’t be any hydrated iron oxide left behind at all.
The Benefits of Getting Rid of Rust
Oxidation isn’t just an aesthetic problem; there are other advantages to addressing rust on your vehicle as well.
Increased Safety
Leaving corrosion to run rampant is a terrible idea, as this type of deterioration will eventually wear away at the metal as it spreads and deepens.
This can, in turn, affect the structural integrity of your vehicle. Panels that wear thin won’t hold up well in the event of an accident, and rusty moving mechanisms will not perform as they should.
If your pipes are flaky and corroded, coolant and oil won’t circulate well, and internal components that are pitted from degradation won’t work.
Your car is a comprehensive system of mechanical engineering. If one part starts to fail, it can wear down or compromise the effectiveness of surrounding mechanisms.
Save Money
Why wait until you have a serious problem on your hands? You can save yourself any unnecessary expenses by using a rust cleaner at the earliest sign that something’s wrong.
Fixing a minor spot costs a whole lot less than having to replace parts that are damaged beyond repair. The sooner you address the problem, the more likely you’ll be able to eradicate it successfully.
Boost Resale Value
Those of you who plan to resell your cars one day should invest in a rust remover. Erasing evidence of oxidation will increase the value of your vehicle when the time comes to sell. After all, prospective buyers don’t want to shell out cash for a corroding car.
What Are the Different Types of Rust Removers for Cars?
There is a range of distinctive types available on the market, but removers mainly fall under two basic forms: liquid or gel.
In this section, you’ll learn about the potential uses and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Liquid Removers
Liquid rust removers are the most versatile in terms of application. You can pick between solutions, sprays, and those that have to be applied directly.
Liquid Solutions
Liquid solutions are a great choice if you have smaller, removable parts to treat, such as your brake rotors. You have to leave the corroded metal to soak in order for the remover to work.
You won’t have to be precise, either. Just pour the liquid over the whole thing and leave it to do its thing. Since solutions tend to work gradually rather than instantly, they can be less toxic or less harsh than other types.
Solutions can also be diluted as needed to suit specific metals. They often include detergent agents to clean, and also do a good job at breaking down corrosion.
A downside to liquid solutions is that tackling larger areas or big parts will be a challenge, if not impossible in certain cases. For instance, you can’t soak just one patch on your driver’s side door or the hood of your car.
Liquid Sprays
If you have oxidation in hard-to-reach places, such as the undercarriage of your vehicle, then liquid sprays are an option. Another benefit is that no equipment is required.
Sprays are usually fast-acting, and you won’t have to leave the liquid on for lengthy periods of time.
However, managing a precise application can be tricky with a spray bottle, and you may also find that the liquid can drip in places where it shouldn’t. With certain abrasive ingredients, this can cause damage to surrounding areas, such as your paint. If you have a lot of corrosion to get rid of, sprays can be tedious to use.
Direct Application Liquids
With these liquids, you can apply them as preferred. They often get results faster than solutions, but perhaps not as quickly as sprays.
If you have multiple surfaces to treat requiring distinct approaches, a container or bottle of liquid is ideal. You can also use a paintbrush or roller to apply the chemical precisely.
Direct application liquids are ideal when you’re in need of generous applications. If the corroded part of your car is large, you can pour out as much as you need to use. Alternatively, you can transfer the liquid to a spray bottle of your own to use as needed.
The drawback to using this type is that liquids can sometimes be messy to deal with. As with sprays, a liquid with a thin consistency carries a risk of dripping beyond the corroded site.
Gel or Jelly Rust Removers
Since these are viscous, you have more control over how you apply them. As long as you don’t overdo it, the gel shouldn’t drip.
Gels tend to be made of stronger ingredients, and this is helpful if you have moderate to severe corrosion. Be warned, though: this potency can come at a price.
One of the reasons that the components are stronger is that they are usually highly toxic. The presence of poisonous chemicals in these products makes them more dangerous to deal with. If you have light oxidation to combat, such as flaky surface rust, a less toxic liquid may be preferable.
Which Type Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Before you start shopping for rust removers for your vehicle, first identify what you’re going to be treating, and where you’re going to be treating it.
Is it a big dent on your trunk? Or is it a corroding exhaust pipe? Perhaps the chrome grille of your classic car is looking a little orange? The point we’re trying to get across is that different problems might warrant different approaches.
Ask yourself a few questions to determine the appropriate type of rust remover to suit your needs.
Can you remove the part? If so, then maybe a liquid solution will work best for you.
Is the corrosion on an area of your vehicle that’s hard to access? In that case, then a fast-acting spray bottle is a better choice.
The choice between liquid, spray, or gel is only one aspect to consider prior to purchase, though. In the next section, you’ll learn about other important things you should be thinking about when buying a rust remover for your car.
What Should You Look for in a Rust Remover?
While these products are undoubtedly beneficial, choosing the wrong type or the wrong formula for you and your automobile could cause further damage to your vehicle.
We’ve compiled a list of everything you should keep in mind when shopping around for car rust removers, which we’ll be talking about in the following sections.
Compatible Surfaces
This is one of the most important considerations on the list. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What sort of surfaces can the chemical safely be applied to? Is it appropriate for all metals or just some?
- Will it potentially damage paint or other non-metal materials? (There are chemical rust removers that are not forgiving of human error. If you let any drip onto your plastic or non-corroded paint, you could end up with unsightly marks or holes).
Remover Type
Factor in the type of remover you’re looking at – we’ve detailed them all in the section above.
Your desired remover might meet all your requirements, but might very well be in the wrong form – such as a solution instead of a spray.
Strength of Remover
The strength of the rust remover you’re considering is important. If it’s too weak, traces of deep corrosion could remain. If it’s too strong, you may end up doing more harm to your vehicle than good.
Let’s say a chemical is rated for dissolving severe corrosion. If you use it as directed on a surface patch, you run the risk of wearing through the good metal underneath.
When using an industrial-strength remover for something fairly tough, you need to know the power of what’s in your hands and be sure that you’re applying it to something that can handle it.
Preparation Requirements
The preparation guidelines can differ from brand to brand, and even formula to formula.
With some rust removers, you may have to thoroughly scrub the degraded metal beforehand with a wire brush. With others, washing the area with soap and water will be enough.
Those of you who value convenience and want to wrap things up in as little time as possible may want to review the treatment instructions to check this first.
Application Process
Take into account what the application process will look like from start to finish.
Do you have to slather on several coats of liquid, or will one quick coat suffice? Will you have to use a special detergent afterward to wash the chemical off?
Treatment Time
Some of you may not mind longer treatment times and will have no problem whatsoever waiting. However, if you prioritize efficiency and are short on time, you should try to pick a product that’s fast-acting.
If you don’t have a garage, this may be a top consideration. If it takes several hours or more for the chemical to remove corrosion, be extra cautious.
Toxicity Levels
Many of these products use acid as an active ingredient. This means the substance can be harmful to your respiratory system if fumes are inhaled.
The chemical may also cause immediate burns if you accidentally get any of it on your skin.
If you’re worried about this, lean towards a non-toxic rust remover for cars.
Eco-Friendliness
Taking care of your vehicle doesn’t mean you need to disregard the environment. If environmental safety is a priority, look for a biodegradable remover. While these sometimes cost more – the added outlay is worth it for a clearer conscience.
Additional Properties
Will the substance prevent rust reforming in the same place?
Some brands have corrosion-inhibiting ingredients. If you want an extra measure of security against future incidences, this is something you should look for.
Other Applications
Will your chosen chemical work on other items aside from your vehicle? Rusty tools? A rusty bathtub? Kitchen fixtures? For others, you might just need to remove rust stains from fabrics, concrete, carpets, sinks, toilets, tiles, and so on.
This shouldn’t necessarily be at the forefront of your decision-making process, but it can be very useful to keep in mind, nonetheless.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found the best rust remover to suit your needs and your car!
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t take action to get rid of corrosion permanently. As a matter of fact, this is what you need to do, as the costs of letting oxidation spread are higher than investing time and effort into rust-proofing.
Do you have any feedback, questions, or tips to share? We welcome your opinion and would love to hear from you in the comments section!
