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Is Undercoating Worth It in Calgary for a Daily Driven Car?

By Mostafa
Oct 05, 2023
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Undercarriage protected with undercoating in Calgary

If you drive a beige 2005 Corolla, maybe not. But if you own a modern vehicle in Calgary, undercoating is one of the few modifications that actually pays for itself in resale value.

The "Mag-Chloride" Factor in Calgary

Calgary uses Magnesium Chloride for de-icing. Unlike rock salt, this chemical stays wet (hygroscopic) even when it's dry outside. It clings to your subframe, suspension arms, and brake lines, creating a constant corrosive bath.

Most modern cars have plastic undertrays, but these often trap salt brine against the metal rather than protecting it.

Unibody vs. Frame Rust Protection

Trucks (Body-on-Frame): Essential. Truck frames rust from the inside out. Our rustproofing injects oil into the frame rails to prevent this.

SUVs/Cars (Unibody): Highly Recommended. While unibodies don't have frame rails, they have complex subframes and suspension components. Replacing a rusted control arm or subframe bushing mount can cost $1,500+.

Undercoating Resale Value Math

The 5-Year Inspection

When you trade in your car, dealers put it on a lift. If they see a rusty undercarriage, they knock thousands off the offer because it's hard to resell. A clean, black undercoated frame commands top dollar.

The Pros

  • Prevents structural rust failure
  • Reduces road noise (rubberized coatings)
  • Increases resale value significantly
  • Protects brake lines and fuel lines

The Cons

  • Yearly cost ($150-$200 for touchups)
  • Can be messy if using dripless oil (we use drip-free formulas)
  • Not necessary for short-term leases

Conclusion

For a daily driver in Calgary, undercoating is worth it. It is cheaper to spray the car annually than to replace a single rusted suspension component. Book your inspection today.

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