Is rustproofing included in dealership packages?

When purchasing a new vehicle, many buyers assume comprehensive protection packages are included in their purchase price. However, the reality of rustproofing coverage in dealership packages often surprises new car owners. Understanding what's actually included: and what isn't: can save you significant money while ensuring your vehicle receives proper long-term protection.

The Short Answer: Rustproofing Is Not Standard

Rustproofing is not automatically included in dealership packages. Instead, it's marketed as an optional add-on service that dealerships attempt to sell at premium prices during the vehicle purchase process. While your new car does come with factory rust protection, dealerships position additional rustproofing treatments as essential upgrades to your vehicle's standard protection.

This distinction is crucial for new car buyers to understand. The factory protection that comes standard with your vehicle provides a foundation level of rust prevention, but dealerships will often suggest this isn't sufficient for long-term protection: particularly in the UK's challenging climate conditions.

Factory Rust Protection: What's Already Included

Every new vehicle sold in the UK comes with some form of factory rust protection. Manufacturers invest significantly in corrosion prevention during the production process, including:

• Galvanised steel construction in critical structural areas

• Factory-applied primers and protective coatings

• Cavity wax treatments in door frames and structural sections

• Comprehensive corrosion warranties typically lasting 6-12 years

These factory protections represent substantial engineering investment and provide excellent initial protection for new vehicles. Modern manufacturing techniques have dramatically improved vehicle longevity compared to cars produced even two decades ago.

However, factory protection primarily focuses on structural integrity and major panel protection. Areas such as the undercarriage, wheel wells, and suspension components may receive less comprehensive treatment, particularly in areas exposed to road salt and harsh weather conditions.

Why Dealerships Offer Additional Rustproofing

Dealerships market additional rustproofing services for several business reasons. These optional treatments represent high-margin add-on services that significantly increase per-vehicle profit margins. During the vehicle purchase process, buyers are often presented with comprehensive protection packages that include rustproofing alongside paint protection, interior treatments, and extended warranties.

The sales process typically emphasises the UK's challenging driving conditions: frequent rain, winter road salt, and coastal exposure: as justification for additional protection beyond factory standards. Dealerships partner with established rustproofing companies to provide these services, with brands like Ziebart commonly featured in dealership protection packages.

Sales teams are trained to present these treatments as essential investments in vehicle longevity, often using phrases like "comprehensive lifetime protection" or "maximum corrosion resistance" to justify premium pricing.

The Reality of Dealership Rustproofing Costs

When rustproofing is offered through dealership packages, pricing typically ranges around £800, though costs can vary significantly depending on the dealer, vehicle size, and package comprehensiveness. Some dealerships may quote significantly higher prices for premium protection packages that combine rustproofing with other treatments.

This pricing structure often surprises consumers who discover that equivalent professional rustproofing services are available through independent specialists at substantially lower costs. The dealership markup on these services can be considerable, as they act as intermediaries between customers and actual rustproofing specialists.

What Dealership Rustproofing Packages Typically Include

Standard dealership rustproofing packages generally provide:

• Undercarriage spray treatment with basic protective coatings

• Cavity wax application in accessible door frames and structural areas

• Basic cleaning and preparation of treatment areas

• Limited warranty coverage on the rustproofing treatment itself

• Documentation showing treatment completion

However, the comprehensiveness and quality of these treatments can vary significantly. Some dealership packages may use basic protection products rather than premium rustproofing materials, and the application process may be less thorough than specialist services provide.

The warranty coverage typically focuses on the rustproofing treatment rather than comprehensive rust protection, meaning coverage may be limited if rust develops despite the treatment.

Expert Recommendations on Dealership Rustproofing

Automotive protection experts consistently advise against purchasing rustproofing through dealership channels. According to industry guidance, dealerships "typically charge way too much money for their rust protection products" compared to independent alternatives.

Professional recommendations emphasise several key points:

• Cost-effectiveness: Independent rustproofing specialists offer equivalent or superior protection at significantly lower prices

• Product quality: Specialist companies often use premium protection products like high-grade oil-based treatments

• Application expertise: Dedicated rustproofing specialists possess specialised knowledge and equipment

• Comprehensive coverage: Independent services typically provide more thorough treatment of vulnerable areas

The recommended approach involves using high-quality oil spray rust protection from established companies, applied every couple of years as an effective and cost-efficient long-term solution.

When Rustproofing Investment Makes Sense

Despite concerns about dealership pricing, rust protection itself remains a worthwhile investment under certain circumstances. Vehicle owners should consider professional rustproofing when:

• Living in coastal areas with high salt exposure

• Frequent winter driving on gritted roads

• Planning long-term vehicle ownership beyond factory warranty periods

• Owning vehicles prone to rust in specific areas like wheel wells or chassis sections

• Operating commercial vehicles with high mileage exposure

The key is choosing the right protection method and provider rather than avoiding rust protection entirely.

Professional Alternatives to Dealership Packages

Independent rustproofing specialists offer comprehensive alternatives to dealership packages with several advantages:

Superior Value: Professional services typically cost 30-50% less than dealership equivalents while providing more comprehensive protection.

Specialised Expertise: Dedicated rustproofing companies focus exclusively on corrosion prevention, developing superior application techniques and product knowledge.

Premium Products: Independent specialists often use high-quality protection systems like Dinitrol, Lanoguard, or advanced cavity wax formulations specifically designed for UK conditions.

Comprehensive Coverage: Professional services typically include thorough undercarriage cleaning, detailed cavity wax application, and complete photographic documentation of treatment areas.

Flexible Scheduling: Independent providers often offer more convenient booking options and faster service completion than dealership scheduling systems.

Making the Right Decision for Your Vehicle

The decision regarding rustproofing should be based on your specific circumstances rather than dealership sales pressure. Consider these factors:

Vehicle Usage Patterns: Daily drivers in harsh conditions benefit more from rustproofing than occasional-use vehicles stored in garages.

Geographic Location: Coastal areas and regions with heavy winter salt use present higher rust risks.

Ownership Duration: Long-term ownership justifies rustproofing investment more than short-term leasing arrangements.

Budget Considerations: Independent rustproofing services provide better value than dealership packages.

Vehicle Type: Some vehicles, particularly 4x4s and commercial vans, benefit significantly from professional protection due to higher exposure to harsh conditions.

Conclusion

Rustproofing is not included in standard dealership packages: it's an optional add-on typically priced at premium rates. While your new vehicle includes factory rust protection, additional treatment may be beneficial depending on your specific circumstances.

The most cost-effective approach involves declining dealership rustproofing packages and seeking quotes from independent specialists who provide superior value and expertise. Professional rustproofing services offer comprehensive protection using premium products at significantly lower costs than dealership alternatives.

For vehicle owners in challenging UK conditions: particularly coastal areas or regions with heavy winter salt use: professional rustproofing represents excellent long-term value when obtained from specialist providers rather than dealership packages.