Question: My car is on the older side and the wheel wells have rust. How do I fix it on my own?
Answer: Rusted wheel wells are a serious matter that need your immediate attention. Rust weakens metal—and it can spread, leading to further damage which may cost you more in repairs. If the issue isn’t addressed, the rust could spread enough to ruin the structural integrity of your car, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
The cost to repair rusted wheel wells depends on many variables like the vehicle’s make and model, the severity of the rust, how deep it penetrated the metal, the size of the affected area or areas, and the services required. Ideally, you’ll want to take your car to a body shop or mechanic to assist you and check the car for additional rust and corrosion that is not visible to you.
Rust is a form of corrosion, and for the best results, it should be handled by a professional. There are ways to fix a minor issue yourself—however, it’s not recommended to go the do-it-yourself route with this repair unless you’re very experienced with auto body repair.
If you do proceed on your own, first you’ll need to gather the materials. This is what you’ll need:
- 60-, 80-, or 120-grit sandpaper and 220-grit sandpaper
- Handheld saw
- Body repair kit
- Rust-proof primer
- Enamel paint, as closely matched to the car’s original color as possible
Once you have the materials, follow these steps:
- Sand the rusted area thoroughly to remove any surface rust. Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper to sand deep rust spots, or use 120-grit if the rust is mainly on the surface.
- If there are rusted holes, use the handheld saw to cut them down to the non-rusted edges.
- Repair the holes using the body repair kit.
- Sand the patched areas with 200-grit sandpaper until they are even with the metal.
- Spray the area with a rust-proof primer.
- Finish up with several coats of enamel paint.
What causes cars to rust?
You may be wondering how wheel wells and cars get rusty. Environmental factors like humidity and road salt can contribute. Moisture and oxygen cause the metal to oxidize, which eats away at the metal and forms rust. Scratches and dents could also lead to rust because paint acts as a protectant to the metal.
How to prevent rust
Fortunately, you can make strides to help prevent rust from forming simply by keeping your car clean. Wash your car routinely—dirt buildup can hold moisture, allowing rust to form. You can also help combat moisture ruining your car by keeping your car dry. If you have the option, keep your car in a garage.
Bottom line:Protecting your car from rust is important. If you have rusted wheel wells, it’s a good idea to take your car to a professional.
Heather Bernhard is an insurance writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Heather specializes in home ownership, home insurance, and travel, and her articles offer guidance on everything from weekend getaways to your state’s housing laws. As part of her mission to deliver clear and informative content on these topics, Heather has written over 200 articles for Jerry. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, Heather worked as a communications specialist and managed her own businesses.
Andrea Richard is a writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience crafting content for a variety of industries. In writing for Jerry, Andrea’s mission is to deliver relatable and informative content so readers can better understand the costs associated with car ownership and car leasing. A native Floridian and a road trip enthusiast, Andrea first learned to drive on a Honda Accord when CDs were still a thing. She has served on the Society of Professional Journalists Florida board of directors and volunteers as a judge for national journalism contests. Her work has earned several awards for feature writing, investigative reporting and branded content campaigns.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
