Rust Proofing Study

- Estimates $20,000 savings over 10 years

Atlantic Canadians can keep their vehicles longer and save the cost of a new car over a 10-year period by using annual rust protection, according to an indepth study by an international management consulting firm.

Runzheimer Canada, a division of Runzheimer International, the world’s leading consultant on vehicle operating costs, carried out a three-city study in Halifax, Saint John and St. John’s using four popular makes of vehicles. Atlantic Canada was selected because its climate is the most corrosive in North America and corrosion is the principal reason a vehicle must be replaced.

The study determined an investment in annual rust protection of approximately $140 a year ($1,400 over 10 years including taxes) could translate into savings of $20,195.

Runzheimer, which specializes in vehicle related studies for both private industry and governments, carried out its research in two parts.

The first part estimated that a typical vehicle owner, who used annual rust protection, could keep their car 10 years and would incur $77,011 in total oar ownership and operatin.g costs. Costs studied included original purchase price, resale price, depreciation, interest and finance, insurance, gas, oil, maintenance, repairs and taxes.

The second part assumed another owner who trades his/her vehicle after five years for a new, identical vehicle. This owner’s total car ownership and operating costs for the two vehicle in the 10-year period was estimated at $97,206. The added cost compared to owing only one car over 10 years results from increased depreciation and increased interest.

The estimated $20,000 savings was close to the average new price of the four vehicles studied.

A companion survey by Corporate Research Association Inc., based in Halifax, reported that 95% of owners of vehicles 10 years or older who used a proven brand annual rust protection reported no rust after 10 years. So called “one- time” rust proofing does not prevent corrosion in Atlantic Canada, according to this survey.

These studies point to significant savings for owners who annually rust protect their vehicles, particularly in Atlantic Canada where the life of cars and trucks is shortened by the corrosive climate.