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6 Best Rust Prevention Sprays for Cars in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

STA-BIL Gold Eagle Co 22003 Rust Stopper

A rust spray for vehicles

Rust prevention spray can, in theory, extend the life of your car. However, if you don’t get a high-quality product, the spray will essentially be useless. Of course, it’s not just about buying a good spray, but getting one that will be appropriate for your car.

In scouring the market for the best of the best, we were able to condense our findings to the 6 best options available. If you want something that will work well for your vehicle, read on as we dive into some rust prevention spray reviews!

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A Quick Look at the Winners of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
BOESHIELD T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection BOESHIELD T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection
  • Versatile
  • Penetrates beneath surface
  • Solution lasts for months
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray
  • Affordable
  • Ergonomic tip
  • Bonds instantly
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    WD40 Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor Spray WD40 Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor Spray
  • Lasts for years
  • Allowable in all states
  • Works in extreme environments
  • Permatex Rust Treatment Permatex Rust Treatment
  • Fast-acting
  • Can be sanded and painted over
  • Significant temperature range
  • Fluid Film Powerful Rust & Corrosion Inhibitor Fluid Film Powerful Rust & Corrosion Inhibitor
  • Fast-acting
  • Can be painted over
  • The 6 Best Rust Prevention Sprays for Cars

    1. BOESHIELD T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection – Best Overall

    BOESHIELD T-9

    The Boeshield is a 12-ounce can that is completely waterproof. You can use the spray on everything from road vehicles to bicycles, boats, and RVs. The chemicals work by loosening stuck on rust and corrosion so that they can be easily rubbed away by hand.

    It can penetrate beneath the surface, bringing up moisture, dirt, and other impurities that can cause serious harm to the quality of your car frame over time.

    Once the solution has hardened to a waxy consistency, it will cling to the surface of your vehicle for months. Last, but not least, the Boeshield also has pedigree on its side. This can was developed with Boeing to deliver an aircraft-grade quality performance.

    Unfortunately, the can itself isn’t nearly as good as the oil. Many report that theirs stopped working while there was still a quarter or so of the solution left. Of course, how you store and use the can may have an impact on its life expectancy. Overall, we think this is the best rust prevention spray on the market this year.

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Penetrates beneath surface
    • Solution lasts for months
    • Developed by Boeing
    Cons
    • Can may not last very long

    2. Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray – Best Value

    Rust-Oleum

    The Rust-Oleum is the best rust prevention spray for the money. It’s a 10.25-ounce can that benefits from an extremely affordable price tag. The spray bonds instantly to the surface of your car for fast results, reversing rust, and allowing you to paint over corroded surfaces. It even features a comfort spray tip that will make using the can slightly more ergonomic.

    Unfortunately, the Rust-Oleum does not have longevity on its side. The spray will peel off over time, especially under rainy, wet conditions. Of course, because it is so affordable, the cost of reapplication will be somewhat more manageable.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Ergonomic tip
    • Bonds instantly
    Cons
    • Needs to be reapplied often

    3. WD40 Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor Spray – Premium Choice

    WD40 300035

    The WD40 is a high-end, 6.5-ounce bottle that benefits from a huge life expectancy. A single application will last for at least two years, making it one of the longest-lasting products on the market. The spray is compliant with the environmental regulations of all 50 states and works even in extreme environments. This includes high humidity and dampness, both weather factors that can undo rust mitigation methods.

    The big issue here is the price. Not only is this the most expensive bottle on our list, but it also is somewhat lacking in the department of value. At just 6.5 ounces, it is one of the smaller options featured here.

    Pros
    • Lasts for years
    • Allowable in all states
    • Works in extreme environments
    Cons
    • Pricey

    4. Permatex Rust Treatment

    Permatex

    Permatex is a moderately priced rust treatment method that comes in a 10.5-ounce can. Within minutes, the waxy solution forms a waxy coat that destroys rust on any automobile. The shield can then be sanded and painted over.

    The temperature range is significant—the solution can work in situations ranging from 50-90 degrees. Unfortunately, longevity is the real problem here. You will need to frequently reapply the spray to make sure you get the results you are looking for.

    If you are willing to continuously replace the spray, however, this is an effective option for your needs.

    Pros
    • Fast-acting
    • Can be sanded and painted over
    • Significant temperature range
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last very long

    5. Fluid Film Powerful Rust & Corrosion Inhibitor

    Fluid Film

    The Fluid Film is an 11.75-ounce can. As with most sprays, this unit is fast-acting and can be applied in humid, or wet conditions. When the solution dries, you will be able to sand and paint over the coating for further utility.

    Unfortunately, the can itself is very low quality. Spray pressure is limited from the moment you start using it and only diminishes over time. Many found that the spray component stopped working entirely well before the solution itself was exhausted.

    Pros
    • Fast-acting
    • Can be painted over
    Cons
    • Low spray pressure
    • May stop working prematurely

    6. STA-BIL Rust and Corrosion Inhibitor Spray

    STA-BIL

    The Sta-Bil is an affordable 13-ounce can. Not only does the spray prevent rust but it also penetrates beneath the surface to eliminate dirt, moisture, and other contaminants that can jeopardize the health of your automobile.

    Unfortunately, there are several problems to be wary of. For one thing, the spray does not work long at all. Many report that they have to regularly reapply the spray for it to function. It is also better for prevention than for removal, which may not be a problem for everyone. However, if you want something that maximizes the versatility factor, this won’t be it. Ultimately, the spray is serviceable but does not compete very well with some of the other products we’ve highlighted.

    Pros
    • Penetrates surface
    • Prevents rust
    Cons
    • Does not last very long
    • Doesn’t do much to remove waste

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Rust Prevention Spray

    You’ve seen our top 6 products, but if you aren’t completely sold, it may help to contemplate a few special considerations. Read on for some factors that will help you determine the value of a rust-prevention spray.

    Temperature Range

    As with most aerosol-based products, rust prevention spray will have an optimal temperature range. In general, solutions do not work very well in extreme temperatures. If you live in an extreme climate, there may be special options that are more optimized for your needs.

    A typical range might be somewhere between 40-90 degrees. However, you should note that this refers only to the moment of application. Once the solution has dried, it will be significantly less vulnerable to changing temperatures.

    Weatherproofing

    Temperature isn’t the only environmental factor that can work against the effectiveness of a spray bottle. If you live in an area that experiences lots of rain, or high levels of humidity, you will need a spray that can accommodate these conditions.

    Many of the sprays featured on our list today work well, even in hot or humid situations.

    Versatility

    Your car probably isn’t the only thing in your life that you want to keep rust-free. Fortunately, many sprays can be effectively used on anything from patio furniture, to boats. Pay attention to the approved uses of your can. If the product is indoor/outdoor, this typically means it can be used in many situations.

    Better yet, many sprays will specifically list out all possible applications, removing uncertainties.

    Price

    Rust prevention sprays aren’t usually extremely expensive. While the amount you spend will ultimately depend on the size of your car—with larger vehicles typically requiring more spray—you can still coat an entire ride for $20 or so.

    The cost will depend on the special features you want (durability, longevity, etc.) you can still establish a baseline budget at this rate and count on getting good results.

    Size

    The price of a can only tells you so much. You also need to pay attention to the quantity of the can. The more ounces you get, the more value the product has. However, there is a flip side. Once you’ve started using a can, it will only last for so long before it begins to lose pressure. Consequently, you don’t want to get something bigger than you will be able to use over the course of a few months.

    STA-BIL Gold Eagle Co 22003 Rust Stopper

    Durability of the Coating

    When your car has suffered rust, you don’t just want to slow down the problem—you usually also want to cover up the damage it has done. Consequently, some sprays can be easily sanded so that they can be painted over smoothly.

    If you plan on treating the finish of your car, you will definitely want something that can handle a new paint job.

    Primer

    If you are concerned with the appearance of your vehicle, you may find it worthwhile to invest in something that comes with a built-in primer. The primer will help lay down a protective coating that also enhances the appearance of your car metal, should you decide to paint over the waxy layer. Not only does primer extend the life expectancy of a paint job, but it also adds vibrancy to the color.

    Legality

    While many of us don’t worry about the criminality of something so simple as a can of rust-prevention oil, the truth of the matter is that where you live can severely limit your options. Several states with prohibitive environmental restrictions are very particular about the type of aerosol cans they will allow.

    Make sure the product you decide on is in compliance with your local laws.

    Capability

    For truly thorough results, you should invest in a product that can penetrate beneath the surface. Oils that can meet and lift contaminants will go a long way toward improving the health of your automobile. They may cost a little bit more, but the added expense will be well worth it.

    Longevity

    Some sprays last for weeks or months, while others provide a thick, waxy coating that will survive for years. The longer the oil works, the more value you get from your spray can.

    Comfort

    If you have arthritis, or you just favor an ergonomic lifestyle, there are products out there for you. Look for cans that feature easy-press spray nozzles. The less pressure you have to apply to the nozzle, the less strain will be put on the joints of your hand. Though not common, this feature will be very important for some users.

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    Conclusion

    Now it’s your job is to choose between the great products we’ve highlighted here. Are you the kind of buyer who wants to get something they know will work well over time? If that describes you, our top choice, the BOESHIELD T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection will probably be a compelling pick.

    However, buyers on a budget aren’t without options either. If you need to save money, go with our runner-up, the Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658 Rust Reformer Spray.

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