Why Don’t German Cars Rust?

Why Don’t German Cars Rust?

Do German cars rust? Are these cars going to outlast the human species?

Contrary to popular belief, German cars rust just like other cars out there. You don’t believe me? Ever seen a Volkswagen Beetle? Those are pretty rare these days, but they’re notorious for being rust buckets.

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Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz - 4 PACK
Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz - 4 PACK
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz - 4 PACK
Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon
Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz
CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz

Not convinced? Have you ever tried to get a close look at an old Mercedes Benz with trim? Never mind trying to look for a rusty Porsche—no owner in his right mind would ever take these babies out if there are signs of rusting.

And if you really don’t think German cars rust, there’s always that beat-up BMW parked on the street that has obvious signs of oxidation.

If there’s one thing I can say about this, it’s that: whoever claimed that when it comes to German cars, rust doesn’t happen, is one super-effective marketer.

You see, we’ve all come to believe that German cars are impervious to oxidation for more than a century now! No doubt about it, that claim alone has sold millions of units to car owners worldwide.

The Appeal Of German Cars

If German cars rust just like all the other cars in the market today, why do people still put them on a pedestal?

The answer: build quality.

Having owned several Volkswagen beetles and vans in the past, you just can’t beat German engineering. These little noisy things were an absolute blast to drive.

German Car Brands You Should Check Out

Although German cars rust like all the other cars, it still doesn’t stop the fact that these cars are well-built from the ground up. Here are the best German car brands you can choose from these days.

Volkswagen

So, why is Volkswagen the first one on the list?

Simple.

Volkswagen owns or has shares in most of the car brands listed below.

POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, Stop Rust and Corrosion Permanently, Anti-rust, Non-porous Protective Barrier, 128 Fluid Ounces, Gloss Black
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, Stop Rust and Corrosion Permanently, Anti-rust, Non-porous Protective Barrier, 128 Fluid Ounces, Gloss Black
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, Stop Rust and Corrosion Permanently, Anti-rust, Non-porous Protective Barrier, 128 Fluid Ounces, Gloss Black
POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, Stop Rust and Corrosion Permanently, Anti-rust, Non-porous Protective Barrier, 128 Fluid Ounces, Gloss Black
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty
Electronic Rust Prevention Systems Self Install Kit for Motor Vehicle RV Truck 4x4 4WD SUV Car, Anti-Corrosion Protection Proofing, Rust Inhibitor, Rust Stopper for Cars, 10 Year Worldwide Warranty

Hard to believe that the lowly Beetle is the highest in the hierarchy, eh? But it’s true.

Opel

Next to Volkswagen, Opel is one of those German car brands that continuously pumps out high-quality, powerful, and affordable cars. Their range of vehicles includes those built for families, the race track, and even executives looking for an elegant sedan to drive in without breaking the bank.

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Second Skin Damplifier Pro Premium Car Sound Deadening Material (2mm) – Butyl Rubber Auto Sound Deadener Mat (13.67 Sq Ft, 8 Sheets) – Made in The USA
Noico 80 mil (2 mm) 36 sqft (3.4 sqm) car Sound deadening mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening
KILMAT 50 mil 50 sqft Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening
Second Skin Damplifier Pro Premium Car Sound Deadening Material (2mm) – Butyl Rubber Auto Sound Deadener Mat (13.67 Sq Ft, 8 Sheets) – Made in The USA
Second Skin Damplifier Pro Premium Car Sound Deadening Material (2mm) – Butyl Rubber Auto Sound Deadener Mat (13.67 Sq Ft, 8 Sheets) – Made in The USA
Noico 80 mil (2 mm) 36 sqft (3.4 sqm) car Sound deadening mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening
Noico 80 mil (2 mm) 36 sqft (3.4 sqm) car Sound deadening mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening
KILMAT 50 mil 50 sqft Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening
KILMAT 50 mil 50 sqft Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening

Two of the most outstanding brands from Opel that live on in the hearts and minds of German car collectors are the Rekord and the Manta. Sadly, both cars are proof that German cars rust no matter how much care you put into maintaining their condition.

BMW

You can’t call yourself a success in the business world if you don’t have a BMW to drive in. Even owning an E-Class is enough to make a statement that you’re moving up in the world. Just remember: these German cars rust if not cared for so keep it out of the rain when it’s not in use and enjoy decades of use with a well-maintained BMW E-Class.

Audi

If you want elegance, Audi is the German car brand you want to look into. Audis used to be intimidating to a lot of people. This includes hardcore German car lovers simply because Audis looked too exquisite.

Adam’s Cordless Swirl Killer 15mm Car Polisher - Powerful Battery Portable Buffer Polisher | Use W/Car Polish, Polishing Compound, or Car Scratch Remover | Detailing Car Wash Clay Bar Ceramic Coating
Makita 9237CX3 7" Polisher
DEWALT Variable Speed Polisher, 7-Inch to 9-Inch (DWP849)
Adam’s Cordless Swirl Killer 15mm Car Polisher - Powerful Battery Portable Buffer Polisher | Use W/Car Polish, Polishing Compound, or Car Scratch Remover | Detailing Car Wash Clay Bar Ceramic Coating
Makita 9237CX3 7" Polisher
DEWALT Variable Speed Polisher, 7-Inch to 9-Inch (DWP849)
Adam’s Cordless Swirl Killer 15mm Car Polisher - Powerful Battery Portable Buffer Polisher | Use W/Car Polish, Polishing Compound, or Car Scratch Remover | Detailing Car Wash Clay Bar Ceramic Coating
Adam’s Cordless Swirl Killer 15mm Car Polisher - Powerful Battery Portable Buffer Polisher | Use W/Car Polish, Polishing Compound, or Car Scratch Remover | Detailing Car Wash Clay Bar Ceramic Coating
Makita 9237CX3 7" Polisher
Makita 9237CX3 7" Polisher
DEWALT Variable Speed Polisher, 7-Inch to 9-Inch (DWP849)
DEWALT Variable Speed Polisher, 7-Inch to 9-Inch (DWP849)

And then people started buying them and understanding them more. One of the most popular Audi lines is the TT Coupe. The price of this model made it attainable for people to own one.

Mercedes-Benz

Looking for more class? Then Mercedes-Benz is the German car brand for you. The one thing unique about the Mercedes-Benz brand is that all of the models they have in their range of vehicles are appealing to a wide market. You could say this is the pinnacle of German engineering.

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If you don’t mind shelling out more for a car, then you might want to get a Mercedes-Benz. These German cars rust just the same, but you can keep them running for a really long time with enough care and maintenance. Others extend their car’s lifetime by simply storing it inside their garage.

Porsche

Got the need for speed? Get a Porsche. Everyone knows these cars are winners on and off the track.

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Porsches are excellent sports cars because anyone can drive them. With enough practice, anyone can excel behind the wheel on these powerful machines.

Related Article:

Can P Platers Drive Sports Cars?

How To Prevent Rust From Damaging Your Automotive Investment

It all starts with inspecting your car for any signs of German cars rust. If you find any. No matter how small, treat it immediately.

Related Article: Why Do Luxury Cars Break Down So Much?

Items You Will Need:

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CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon* 5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Blue
DEWALT DXV09P 9 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, Yellow
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon* 5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Blue
DEWALT DXV09P 9 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, Yellow
DEWALT DXV09P 9 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, Yellow
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon* 5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Blue
Vacmaster VBV1210, 12-Gallon* 5 Peak HP** Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Blue
Table setup not completed.

You could also order this all-in-one kit from the Chemical Guys and get more bang for your buck.

Start by clearing out your cabin. Use a vacuum to suck up all the dirt and grime.

Rinse The Exterior, Underside, And Wheel Wells Thoroughly

These are the areas where German cars rust the most. So give it a thorough rinse.

1.    Now it’s time to get those buckets out and fill them up with clean water. Or you can save yourself the trouble by investing in a power washer for convenience.

2.    Using a bucket is the more economical way to rinse your car off in terms of buying cleaning equipment; meanwhile, using a power washer is the more efficient way to wash luxury car.

3.    Remove as much of the dirt and grime from your car’s surface by rinsing it with clean water.

4.    If you’re using a power washer, try not to put it on full blast as the pressure could damage your paint. Dust, grit, and grime can also grind into the surface if you put too much pressure when you wash a luxury car with a power washer on full blast.

5.    Wash the underside of your carriage as well. Make sure you include the wheel wells and skid pads.

6.    Wash the tires as well.

7. Once the entire exterior has been rinsed, move on to soaping your car.

Proper Soaping Techniques For German Cars

1.    Don’t use dishwashing liquid. Many people make that mistake when they wash a car. That can easily strip your clear coat. Don’t even use it on a conventional car.

2.    Make sure you apply soap to the top of your car first and work your way down to the bottom.

3.    You can do this with sponges or with a foam blaster to make your work quicker.

4.    If you’re using a sponge, make sure you have at least three buckets with one containing soap and the rest, clean water. Label these buckets as one, two, and three. Make sure the third bucket is the one with soap.

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WeatherTech TechCare Gentle Car Shampoo
Gyeon quartz Q²M Bathe - Car Wash Soap - Wax and Ceramic Coating Safe - Highly Lubricated Foaming Car Wash Soap For Foam Cannon - Remove Loose Dirt and Grime - Great Addition to Car Wash Kit
Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash, Car Wash Foam for Car Cleaning - 1 Gallon Container
Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash, Car Wash Foam for Car Cleaning - 1 Gallon Container
WeatherTech TechCare Gentle Car Shampoo
WeatherTech TechCare Gentle Car Shampoo
Gyeon quartz Q²M Bathe - Car Wash Soap - Wax and Ceramic Coating Safe - Highly Lubricated Foaming Car Wash Soap For Foam Cannon - Remove Loose Dirt and Grime - Great Addition to Car Wash Kit
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5.    Soak your sponge in bucket one to remove the majority of the grit collected before dunking it into bucket two to clean it further. Once clean, dunk it into the soap and lather your car up. Repeat the process.

6.    Soap the tires and wheel wells separately. These have the most dirt and grime and should be reserved for last.

7.    Scrub the inside of the wheel wells first to remove as much of the dirt and grime accumulated there. After that area is clean, move on the tire rims.

8. Last but not least, cover as much of the tires with soap as you possibly can and scrub out the dirt caught in between the treads.

Once you’re done, rinse everything off and replace everything back inside your German car. 

That’s it! You’re done!

For an even deeper clean, you can do some detailing work after you wash a luxury car.

Place Your German Car In Storage

To make sure that you don’t let German cars rust keep it in a temperature-controlled environment away from harmful UV rays, dust, and other harmful external factors are the keys to preserving its good looks.

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Kayme 6 Layers Car Cover Waterproof All Weather for Automobiles, Outdoor Full Cover Rain Sun UV Protection with Zipper Cotton, Size A2 3XL Universal Fit for Sedan (186-193 inch)
Motor Trend Safeguard Car Cover for Vans/SUV - Advanced Protection Formula All Weather Waterproof Outdoor Vehicle Cover, Fits Vans & SUVs up to 185" L (OV-640_N)
Motor Trend SafeKeeper All Weather Car Cover - Advanced Protection Formula - Waterproof 6-Layer for Outdoor Use, for Sedans Up to 190" L (OC-643N)
Kayme 6 Layers Car Cover Waterproof All Weather for Automobiles, Outdoor Full Cover Rain Sun UV Protection with Zipper Cotton, Size A2 3XL Universal Fit for Sedan (186-193 inch)
Kayme 6 Layers Car Cover Waterproof All Weather for Automobiles, Outdoor Full Cover Rain Sun UV Protection with Zipper Cotton, Size A2 3XL Universal Fit for Sedan (186-193 inch)
Motor Trend Safeguard Car Cover for Vans/SUV - Advanced Protection Formula All Weather Waterproof Outdoor Vehicle Cover, Fits Vans & SUVs up to 185" L (OV-640_N)
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Motor Trend SafeKeeper All Weather Car Cover - Advanced Protection Formula - Waterproof 6-Layer for Outdoor Use, for Sedans Up to 190" L (OC-643N)
Motor Trend SafeKeeper All Weather Car Cover - Advanced Protection Formula - Waterproof 6-Layer for Outdoor Use, for Sedans Up to 190" L (OC-643N)

At the very least, get a good car cover like the Kayme Multi-Layer Car Cover to further ensure that no dust particles settle on its surface when you enter your garage.

Conclusion

German cars rust like all other cars on the road today. It’ll happen faster if you don’t spend enough time caring for your car too!

If you’re planning to use a German car as a daily driver, try going for a BMW. These are relatively cheap and require minimal upkeep to prevent German cars rust from taking place. A quick visit to a professional car shop should be on top of your priority list.

On the other hand, if you just like having a German car sitting in your garage, a classic Mercedes Benz sedan should be a good conversational piece. Just remember, these German cars rust quickly if you don’t protect their undersides. A pre-68, restored Volkswagen Beetle can serve the same purpose.

If you need speed and don’t mind that German cars rust like all other cars, get a Porsche. Any variant will do. These little things can beat any car on the track with the right driver behind the wheel!

Related Questions

Is It Better To Choose A Japanese Car Over A German Car?

Not really. Modern technology has made it possible for the rest of the world to catch up to the engineering standards set by German car manufacturers. You should broaden your search for the car to buy so that you’ll get the right car that fits your lifestyle.

And just to be fair: Japanese cars and German cars rust at the same rate if you don’t maintain them properly.

Related Article:

Do Japanese Cars Last Longer?

How Can I Make My Volkswagen Beetle Faster?

Upgrade your engine. A basic Volkswagen Beetle has a 1100cc to a 1500cc engine. Upgrading your engine can bring it up to 2600cc. This is enough power to propel your bug ahead of the competition. You’ll still have to practice driving it with that much power in your engine bay.

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What Floor Jack Can I Use To Lift My Opel Rekord?

The Opel Rekord is notoriously known as a heavy car. That’s because of the oversized 2.0L engine under the hood. If you factor in its body construction and heavy-duty chassis, you’re looking at a sedan that easily outweighs a small ute. You’ll need a heavy-duty floor jack to do this job.

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Aain® Heavy duty 3 Ton Floor Jack, Steel Hydraulic Service Jack Quick Rise With Double Pump Quick Lift, Blue HT3300
ARCAN Tools 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack with Dual Pump Pistons & Reinforced Lifting Arm (A20018_A20019)
Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack - 3.5 Ton Capacity, 28 1/2" L x 13 3/4" W x 6 1/2" H
Aain® Heavy duty 3 Ton Floor Jack, Steel Hydraulic Service Jack Quick Rise With Double Pump Quick Lift, Blue HT3300
Aain® Heavy duty 3 Ton Floor Jack, Steel Hydraulic Service Jack Quick Rise With Double Pump Quick Lift, Blue HT3300
ARCAN Tools 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack with Dual Pump Pistons & Reinforced Lifting Arm (A20018_A20019)
ARCAN Tools 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack with Dual Pump Pistons & Reinforced Lifting Arm (A20018_A20019)
Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack - 3.5 Ton Capacity, 28 1/2" L x 13 3/4" W x 6 1/2" H
Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack - 3.5 Ton Capacity, 28 1/2" L x 13 3/4" W x 6 1/2" H

Take a look at some of our examples here: Lift The Biggest Vehicles With The Best Floor Jack Professionals Use

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