Correct, they are crap. Here's a report from a real lab test using accepted methods:

Do electronic rust preventors work?

I am familiar with sacrificial anodes, cathodic protective methods and in theory you'd think this would work, but sadly it doesn't.

The Krown, on the other hand, seems to work a bit but there's another product that holds up much better: Formula 3000 rust protection. Either way if you rinse the underside of your vehicle at least on a semi regular basis you should so just fine.

 

Check out a 10 + year old vehicle that has had Krown spray done. They don't rust compared to the non-sprayed ones. We have a 2006 Honda van, zero rust compared to my neighbor's identical age one that is showing lots of rust. If you want Krown to warrant it with their new car warranty it needs to be done from year one and resprayed every year. They pay to fix it if is rusts. If you are keeping the vehicle long term, in my opinion it makes sense. Its a little over 100 bucks a year around here to have it done annually. I am not familiar with the Formula 3000 so cannot comment. With the Krown you get the guarantee though as it is "professionally" applied. -Hopefully.

 

With the electronic rust control ..They use it in all the salt mines ..Check ou every sifto salt truck in Toronto they all use it underground this is proven technology .

And for $199 its cheap insurance

here is my 2001 PT which has Krown and Rust controller ( this taken this past summer ( after a clay barring ))



not bad for a 12 year old vehicle

 

I'd be willing to bet a very large sum of $$ those rust controllers the salt mining companies use are a heck of a lot more expensive and comprehensive than the Rust controller. And if they are using sacrificial anodes they'd be consumable and getting replaced regularly.

Either way it seems rather excessive. I'll just take care of my vehicle by regularly washing it. Granted, that may not always be possible in northern climates but with the testing I read it doesn't make sense to purchase one.

That PT looks nice but show photos of the underside.

 

I'm not going to debate whether they work or not, but if they did - don't you think they would be a hell of a lot more widely used rather than the (double priced) spray on/in rust proofing?

Maybe they do, maybe they dont - but that salt mine doesn't prove much unless you add moisture and prolonged exposure to the mix. Like we encounter on roads, salt water. Then I'll be impressed.

 

I just hit my undercarriage with Fluid Film this weekend. Did it at the advice of my brother in law who has used it for years on all his personal vehicles and work vehicles (plows, dumps, etc.) and swears by it.

 

I had my truck sprayed with Linex when it was new. The under body is still rust free. I drive on gravel roads everyday and the Linex has not cracked or chipped from the beating it gets from the rocks. After four years of salt, sand, rock, snow, I would say the linex has held up well.

 

I also have applied Fluid Film to my 2012 F-150. I purchased a 5 gallon container, and use about 3 - 4 quarts for each application (2nd application this fall). My method; 1) mix the fluid film about 50/50 with WD-40 and use pressure spray at 100 psi into all crevices with engine cleaning spray wand. and 2) use electric airless Wagner spray gun to spray in general all other surfaces, including rear axle, rear brake parts, front a-frame parts and all other major areas. And 3) hot water wash in driveway with water hose hooked to hot water supply prior to drive into garage in winter after drive on salt roads here in Minnesota. Hopefully, this is the answer for minimizing or slowing the rust process which is inevitable.


fluid film is a good product as it contains lanolin - a natural water repellant material and component of effective rust preventing compounds. As an industrial chemist in my early career, I used to work with major rust preventing suppliers as a part of my job.


In my opinion, the most effective rust inhibitor for vehicles is a very fluid, non-hardening material with self-healing property which repels water/salt and is capable of creeping in the underbody cracks and crevices. Also, it must be re-applied yearly to replace the film which ultimately washes away.


I have tried various methods over the years with my vehicles, mostly relying on regular underbody wash before parking the vehicle which has had the best success but is work - intensive.


There is no magic bullet for rust prevention, only methods with slow it down.

 

^ THIS!

My dad has taken every new vehicle to Ziebart since the 70's and I do the same with my new vehicles. Yeah, you're going to spend around $500-$600 for full rust protection but it's worth it. People think newer vehicles don't rust like the old ones but they are wrong. I'm already seeing 04-09 F-150s with cab corner rust and 07+ GM trucks with bubbles over the rear fenders.

When I buy a new vehicle, I get it to Ziebart immediately before it even sees a wet road. I also do the yearly touchup. It's a PITA where I live now because the closest Ziebart is in Madison, WI but when I lived in Omaha they had one there.

I really like the look of the Krown product too but they are mostly a Canadian company. I've also used Fluid Film but I wouldn't say it's the same as a good undercoating. I like to spray it on suspension parts mostly.

 

I sprayed mine with Eastwood chassis paint immediately after I bought it. But, I'm in the Southwest and don't have all the salt, rain, snow, etc. as those of you out East.