Do GMC Sierras Rust? Causes and Prevention
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You should be on the lookout for wear and tear when driving a truck. This is especially true for GMC Sierra owners wondering if they will rust.
If you live in a colder climate, you likely have suffered snowy conditions with messy roads full of salt, water, slush, and ice. These conditions will lead to faster rust, especially on GMC Sierras. But there are steps you can take to make your vehicle last longer.
Table of Contents
- Do GMC Sierras Rust?
- Do GMC Sierras Rust?
- How Long Do GMC Sierras Last?
- What Causes Rust on a GMC Sierra?
- How To Avoid Rusting On Your GMC Sierra
- Are GMC Sierras Reliable Vehicles?
Do GMC Sierras Rust?
GMC Sierras are reliable vehicles, but they will rust over time when exposed to winter conditions. The rust protection is average among steel frame pickup trucks, but you can also lower the risk of rust occurring. Clean your vehicle regularly and use protective coatings for better results.
It would be difficult to find the perfect pickup truck resistant to rust because of the metals used in the design. The same is true for the GMC Sierra by GM, meaning you can expect to see rust happen. In this guide, we explore whether this truck will rust, why rust does happen, and the steps you can take to eliminate rust.Â
Extensive research and industry experience are required to understand rust and its effects on trucks. Once it starts, it’s very difficult to remove rust from your car. We have included these details below to help you better understand how it works with your GMC Sierra.
Do GMC Sierras Rust?
The GMC Sierra is a top-rated truck and has been since its release. It has many features that make it appealing to many people, but the one thing that sticks out is the quality of the body and paint job.
However, you should expect this truck to have mediocre rust protection. Over time, it will rust without proper maintenance, but you can eliminate the risk of rust and extend the lifespan.
Many factors contribute to whether or not a car rusts. The main one is the level of care that the owner takes in maintaining their vehicle.
Other factors include the weather, how often it’s driven, how well it’s maintained, and what type of paint job is on the car. Each aspect can provide problems for drivers if proper care is not a priority.
The most common area on the truck to spot rust is the undercarriage. This is because of the consistent exposure to moisture and salt. It is also the most challenging area of the truck to clean.
How Long Do GMC Sierras Last?
The GMC Sierra has been designed with many advanced technology features that give the Sierra a lifespan of about 200,000 miles.
They are designed to last for a long time and will provide some of the best mileage compared to any other pickup truck.
This truck comes with an all-steel body, a high-strength steel frame, and other advanced, durable, and lightweight materials. The truck has been popular with customers as it is reliable, robust, and comfortable to drive. But there have been a few complaints.
While these trucks are incredibly durable, the steel frame and bed make them susceptible to rusting. Drivers in colder regions that experience lots of snow tend to see even more rust occur on the truck’s undercarriage.
Despite this, you should feel good when driving a GMC Sierra. It will provide some of the best lifespan and overall mileage from any pickup truck.
What Causes Rust on a GMC Sierra?
Rust is a type of corrosion that can occur on cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles. It is a form of oxidation that happens on steel surfaces and can cause severe damage to the truck’s structural integrity.
Rusting happens when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to create rust particles. This acidic material causes the metal to wear, and rust forms.
There are many causes of rusting on a GMC Sierra, and it can occur in different areas of the vehicle. The most common occurrence is water or salt getting caught below the vehicle and causing undercarriage rust.
Exposure To Moisture & Salt
The GMC Sierra pickup truck’s steel frame is susceptible to rusting when exposed to excessive moisture and salt. This rust can lead to costly repairs or even a complete replacement of the vehicle.
This is because of the type of steel used. Sometimes the frame uses recycled steel in the truck design. This is why you should regularly run your truck through the car wash in the winter.
It will give your Sierra a more refined finish and help avoid rust. There is a lot of build-up underneath the vehicle in these conditions, so extra washing can only help.
Poor Protective Coating
When you buy a GMC Sierra, you can get an additional protective coating on top of the exterior paint. This will give you better protection from rust.
However, if this protection is applied poorly, you will not get enough resistance to keep your truck safe. This could lead to excessive rusting in the wrong areas, leading to problems with your Sierra.
You also can bring your truck in regularly for a new coating. It will be costly, but it could result in a much better exterior look on your vehicle.
How To Avoid Rusting On Your GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra is a pickup that you can rely on with extended mileage and excellent durability. But one concern that it does present is the risk of rust.
Fortunately, some steps can be taken to try and avoid rusting on your GMC Sierra. Below are a few of the most effective ways to do so.
Regular Washes
When the weather gets cold, you tend to avoid the car wash because the weather is poor. But regular washes will help your truck stay healthier and prevent rust.
By doing so, you can ensure the undercarriage that is most susceptible to rust stays clean by eliminating the presence of salt. It is worth spending a little more at the car wash for a few months if avoiding rust on your GMC Sierra is a priority for you.
Inside Storage
Storing your GMC Sierra inside your garage will help you avoid rusting over time. Your garage protects the vehicle from excessive moisture and other weather conditions that could damage the exterior.
However, not all homes have a garage big enough for this sized vehicle. If this is a problem you face, investing in a tarp for nights you are expecting rain can be a cheap alternative.
Apply Undercoating
You can also buy an undercoating sealant that adds another layer of protection to the undercarriage of the Sierra. This is an inexpensive product and works exceptionally well.
You should always clean the truck first before applying it, though. If you want even more protection, you can add an anti-rust spray and the undercoating for better longevity.
Are GMC Sierras Reliable Vehicles?
The GMC Sierra was initially designed to be a mid-size truck, but it has since evolved into a heavy-duty pickup due to its ruggedness and ability to handle rugged terrain. It also provides excellent hauling, towing, and load capacity capabilities.
The reliability of GMC Sierra has been highly praised by consumers and reviewers alike. They are consistently awarded high rankings in the J.D Power reliability ratings among full-size pickup trucks.
If you are searching for a full-size pickup truck that exceeds expectations with solid rust protection, the GMC Sierra is perfect.
