The Chemistry of Cars: What is Rust and how to Keep Your Car from Rusting

[@tebo2770]

From the perspective of somebody who fixes this stuff for a living; I found this look into the actual chemistry of rust to be really informative. Nice work.

[@wallysworkin823]

Can you talk about Gasoline and the affects of ethanol? As a small engine mechanic it seems like 80% of our repairs are fuel system related due to all the ethanol. Gas only seems to last 30-45 days before breaking down. I remember when it lasted years. It would be interesting to compare today's pump gas with ethanol free gas or race gas.

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Wally Twixter this is fantastic i just put it on my list. I can offer a little insight into why it breaks down fuel systems: So any plastic or rubber hoses within the system are made with all kinds of different stuff, some of which have similar chemical properties to ethanol. In chemistry there is a saying that "like dissolves like". So some of those components become dissolved in the ethanol passing through the fuel system, which gunks the system up. Do you find alot of decay and bloackages? If so, thats my best guess as to whats happening

[@jeffk464]

Also i'm guessing a lot of the small engines are older and aren't built with materials that hold up to ethanol.

[@wallysworkin823]

Decay and blockages are very common along with rust, it also ruins the metering and/or fuel pump gaskets. We tell customers to not let equipment sit unused for extended periods or the pump gas will break down. From my understanding the ethanol will separate from the fuel causing moisture thus rust and corrosion. For small equipment fuel stabilizers do not work, the best bet is an ethanol free fuel which we sell a lot of. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@wallysworkin823]

Jeff K. Actually no, most of the equipment is less than 10 years old. We have people come in with a 6 month old machine and the carburetor will be ruined due to pump gas sitting in the unit too long.

[@cpufreak101]

Wally Twixter I do know I did try to put 3 gallons of ethanol free gasoline into my cars tank, and it didn't feel any different, though that probably was to be expected

[@melby12]

Well done! Glad to see TFL expanding their video content. Please do more videos like this one.

[@swmike]

Great video! I'd be interested in if there has been any major development in how the fluids in our cars, over the past 50-100 years? Is engine oil much better now compared to before? How was it made better? What about other fluids, transmission oil, differentials etc. Back in the old bad days cars were often lubricated regularly with grease. This isn't done anymore, what replaced that?

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

That would be really cool to bring the history into it! When I tackle those various fluids I definitely will bring that into the mix, so before I can answer your questions I'll have to do a lot of research. In the meantime check out this article about engine oils moving to lighter weights, I found it super fascinating. Stay tuned and thanks! www.amsoil.lube-direct.com/2014/11/the-skinny-on-light-weight-motor-oils/

[@yorkchris10]

There are à lot of businesses here in eastern Canada that specialize in corrosion prevention. You can tell in summer which cars have been treated as they have an oily stain around the pores on the lower part of the car. Temperature has a large effect on when vehicle gets cleaned.

[@zyllofmitain]

► @6:38 You briefly mentioned antifreeze preventing corrosion inside the car's engine cooling system. I would definitely like to see a video about the chemical properties of modern antifreezes; what makes them preferable to water? What is the proper water-to-antifreeze ratio for most vehicles? Does it depend on the climate the car is operating in? What if the radiator was filled with deionized water; would that make a difference? What if cars had an in-line Brita filter in the coolant system? Do air-cooled cars experience similar rust issues in humid climates? ► Also a video about the chemical process in the air conditioning system would be a great topic.

[@the6cow6god6]

this was a pretty cool video, feel like I learned a lot, thanks guys.

[@SkodzGaming]

Beautiful outfit and your drawing skills are awesome!!!!

[@southerland12]

could you talk next of the waxes and the chemical reaction against the dust and the benefits on our cars. thanks for the chemistry class

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Diego Barrera sure! Wax does not really undergo a reaction with the vast majority of foreign substances that it might encounter, whether that be water, UV radiation from the sun, or dust. It simply acts as a physical barrier! For example, water cant penetrate wax because wax is a hydrophobic substance, meaning it repells water!

[@southerland12]

what about the fuel boots that sale on some gas stations are they really good for our engines as they said also some claim they make you recover some of the hp that you lose due high or age

[@npsit1]

As I suspected - half of the comments are about the presenter..

[@chrisnabours720]

npsit1 hahahaha. I know. Horny 13 year olds on here man. They can't help themselves.

[@cpufreak101]

npsit1 well at least it boosts view counts lmao

[@tomkergil3304]

Another great video. Chemistry, Physics, Art, and speaking skills. Keep up the good work.

[@Captain-Awesome]

Road Kill Garage on MotorTrend has used a product that is suppose to change rust into something other than destructive entity. I don't know what that is off hand but would be interested to know if a something can be put on rust to stop it. This would be a quick kind of fix other than sanding, painting on the underside. The RoadKill guys spend a fair amount of time in the salvage yard pulling out workable vehicles. I have an old Jeep project/toy that I need to stop some rusting progress on. Just curious if there is an actual chemical reaction that can convert red rust into something else or is it just marking. Your doing a great job, looking forward to seeing more. Have you done a video on the break down of oil? Both over time and mileage related?

[@skunkhollow1]

I as well an curious about the rust converting chemical magic

[@jordanarmstrong8358]

Danny, Eastwood (and other people, I'm sure) make products called rust converter and rust encapsulator. The converter is basically sprayed onto rust to neutralize and stop the chemical reaction which the presenter in this video is referring to, and the encapsulator basically is applied to isolate the rust from air and moisture to prevent the rust from spreading... similar to POR15.To the TFL Crew, and this presenter, good job and keep the videos coming!

[@kevinchris5642]

Extremely detailed explanation and appreciate your effort.

[@keithbrettell2058]

Well done Charlotte, you're really adding value and something interesting to the channel.

[@1mlb704]

Awesome, not only are your drawing skills on point but with your knowledge and presentation skills you could give someone like Jason from Engineering Explained a run for his money haha. My old Grand Prix has had rust problems since I bought it used six years ago and I've put a lot of effort (and money) into keeping the car from rotting out completely. I've learned a lot about rust during this process and I still learned a few new things from this video. A+

[@OmegaGreedAK47]

Very good information. I nice to see that you guys are doing some different types of videos. ( Also don't listen to the dumb comments) keep it up 👍🏽

[@Huey52123]

Another good one Charlotte and keep them coming. I would second the suggestion to do a segment on the chemistry of Catalytic Converters. Might just give pause to those who swap them out for downpipes.

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Bill Hewett yup! Definitely on my list!

[@1FastGXP]

Bill Hewett I think you mean catless downpipes. You can upgrade the downpipe and keep it legal with a high flow cat. That's what I did, 3" downpipe with Magnaflow cat.

[@brakedd]

Do you plan to do regular episodes? I love learning about the chemistry of the stuff I deal with every day. These videos are great, thanks!

[@nickgrant42]

Or you can just spray the underneath with oil every year. Drill holes on the backside of the fenders and spray oil inside. Also spray oil inside the frame, the bumpers and rocker panels. Almost everything rusts front the inside out without oil. The oil helps preserve everything.

[@philipsparrow7377]

Hi Charlotte, can a sacrificial zinc block be used/installed on the chassis of my truck and if so why don't I have one fitted my the manufacturer? seems like a good idea to me... unless it doesn't work.

[@Bmarsters]

Good Job! I would like to see a video on the explaining why there is excessive carbon build up on direct injection engines. Plus comparing why a port injection engine seems to have a less of an issue with carbon build up. My 2015 F150 Ecoboost used oil seems as dirty as my previous diesel trucks. Thanks

[@60andcuriousrobson13]

I heard another problem with boosted engines in general. They have more blow-by, air/fuel/exhaust that goes past the piston rings. That produces more crankcase pressure, which flows more gasses into to breather which puts oil vapor into the intake for the engine to burn off. The oil vapor then can condense and collect on the intake valve stems. The gasoline that used to pass by the intake valve stems would keep them relatively clean. A solution has been suggested by some engine builders, and engine accessory manufacturers, to add a canister with baffles in a line between the crankcase breather and the intake; this will separate the liquid into a catch can, and allow only gasses to flow back into the intake. Sorry, I can't remember any person or company with this item. Try any aftermarket supplier for turbo accessories.

[@jordanarmstrong8358]

Nice job, Charlotte. Keep the videos coming! How does a video about the use of 1k and 2k paints, the pros and cons of each, and other body work/metal prep stuff (different primers, like high build, urethane, self-etching, etc) sound? I'm about to replace some body panels and make some patches on a 1971 International Scout, and am always looking for information that would help the process. I look forward to seeing more of these videos!

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Jordan Armstrong thank you and great ideas!

[@ritalin152]

WOW! Amazing video！

[@PBandJ25]

Nice presentation!

[@erikcharrier5943]

I'd be curious to see an in depth look at the chemistry of rust converters and encapsulating paints sometime if you have time for it. Thanks!

[@luisbardoguzmanaceves9142]

Could you talk about gasoline octane? what is it? do really helps use premium gas on turbo or supercharged cars? What are the effects of high octane on high altitud and sea level? it is true that gasoline has ingredients?

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Thats the episode I am working on today!

[@charliecox4484]

Great new series, especially for those of us that slept through chemistry class.

[@mostlymichaelcanada]

How would those electronic anti rust modules work at combatting rust? Great video and illustrations!

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Mike Cole those are super cool! Remember how in the video i said how it all begins with the loss of electrons from iron? Well putting the amount of electrons back into the metal that have been lost to normal conditions prevents iron from ever oxidizing (losing electrons) and thus preventing rust. Its obviously not a perfect system, but its pretty sweet! I was hoping someone would ask that!

[@rgs455atw]

What happened to Charlotte, we have not seen her lately?

[@Blakehx]

Cool thanks! Let's see a video of how hydrogen cars work (especially cars that supposedly run on HHO)!

[@Cobb]

I used OIL RIG and An Ox Red Cat pneumonics in chemistry. Stainless steel resists rust and has a higher chromium content, so why not put a higher chromium content in car metals to help prevent the rust? Cost, tensile strength, heat retention, or brittleness?

[@60andcuriousrobson13]

I noticed while working with stainless, that it was both harder to work with, (it will dull a drill bit a lot faster) and less strong (the threads on some small SS bolts stripped more easily than regular medium grade bolts). Steel alloys are both more resilient and easier to form. Ford did some experimental Stainless Steel full bodies (reference Mystery Cars, a series that featured experimental and concept cars). They were built using stamping dies that were at the end of their use cycle. The stainless steel would have worn out the dies quickly, whereas many more steel panels could be formed by the same die. At the time, in the 30's 40's and 50's, they had to work with thicker stock because steel manufacturers hadn't yet developed the technology to produce thinner panels. Don't quote me as a source, but believe that SS is more brittle as well. I think there were a few cars with a stainless roof panel in the 50's or 60's The last car to try to use stainless for body panels was the DeLorean? That was a major fail

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

Cobb, Im not entirely sure, Id have to do a bit of research but I can tell you that Deloreans had stainless steel bodies fun fact!

[@stephenhodges8274]

These are good videos.

[@micheldionne5882]

How about electronics and nanotechnology coatings, are they any good to prevent rust? How would they react? Thanks for your most excellent content.

[@tilorch]

Awesome Video. Very Educational. Can you talk about the difference in gasoline fuel. the difference in E85, E91 and so forth. And is there a difference in the regular, premium, & super fuel and is it also really worth to buy premium gas over regular. Thank you.

[@nodakoutdooraddicts53]

I learned more in these 8 minutes than I did all 4 years in high school combined

[@karimakiki6424]

Thanks for the cool vid charlotte ! Keep em coming :)

[@johnjurewicz9317]

Charlotte, I heard there is a company that makes an electronic rust preventor , along the lines of what the Navy uses. How does it work ?

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

John Jurewicz i can explain, so remember how this whole shebang starts with the oxidation (loss of electrons) from iron? Well basically the theory behind those systems is to input the amount of electrons back into the metal that have been lost to environmental conditions. This prevents the oxidation from ever happening. Not perfect but so cool right?

[@60andcuriousrobson13]

I believe that rust can form from "galvanic action" the tendencies for dissimilar metals to transfer electrons from a more available electrons to a less available electrons. Think nickel cadmium battery. This transfer of electrons is electricity! As Charlotte said, Zinc will corrode before iron, iron will corrode before lead, and so on. The electricity that corroding steel can have, can be off-set by applying an opposite current, and also a sacrificial anode is usually used; I have heard magnesium rods used for this purpose, with and without an added electrical current. I refer to a long forgotten article about steel in a building using magnesium rods, grounded and with a thick copper electrical connection, that would inhibit rust in reinforced concrete, and would have to replaced periodically. Not sure of the Navy system you refered to.

[@supernova1976]

well-done Charlotte

[@hanzo2350]

Would using softened water using sodium chloride cause rust on cars? Would changing to potassium chloride in the softener be better for preventing rust on cars?

[@ricky3506]

Great 👍🏼 video. Very informative

[@rotaryperfection]

I got one! How about the chemistry behind why 100% coolant rust metal and why it should be mixed with water.

[@danielraymadden]

Good video I would like your opinion on best paint product to maintain my undertruck rust proofing one product is zero rust the other product is rustoleum Marin paint, I want to maintain the good condition of my underbody.

[@todabrilla]

Great job!

[@NITROUSINJECTEDFISHY]

Explain the chemistry going on inside an automobile catalytic convertor and how the system works. What is the impact of oil additives on catalytic convertor performance (e.g. zinc dithiophosphate)?

[@tommitchell3330]

Very nice video. I second the request for a video on ethanol / gasoline and it's advantages and disadvantages. Also the chemistry of catalytic converters and and unleaded gas with their advantages and disadvantages could be interesting. The chemical evolution of motor oils, other automotive fluids and that of the glass for the windshield, etc. might prove interesting. Recently I have heard that diesel engines are becoming less popular, or more regulated, in Europe because of their fine particulates pollution even after their exhaust has been treated with DEF as per your earlier video. What's the chemistry of fine particulates and is there a reasonable solution?

[@OmarFernando1996]

Hi, great work!!! I'd like to know: What is gasoline composed of? What are the differences between the usual gasoline and oxygenated gasoline trough the combustion process? Is there any equation to calculate the amount of gas an engine produces at a given RPM? (little explanation, I am crazy about turbos, and I looked for ways to choose the turbo that better fit a car, but there's only empirical formulas) How to calculate the volumetric efficiency?Thanks for the videos 😉

[@charlotteroadcap6426]

OmarFernando1996 hey thank you! So i can answer. Oxygenated gas has O2 gas dissolved within it. This helps reduce harmful emissions for example, one of the things it does is reduce carbon monoxide CO emissions because there is more oxygen to further react to form carbon dioxide, CO2. It basically just makes your combustion more complete. For your second question and third questions though ill have to think about awhile haha Im a chemist not a Mech E. The easiest way to go about figuring out how much gas an engine produces would be just to measure it. Calculating that would be insane but doable. Youd need to worry about the amount of air entering the engine, the completion of combustion, the stoichiometry of a ton of different reactions, how many cylinders contribute to 1 Rotation, recirculation, temperature, pressure, time etc. so its way too complex to explain in just a few sentences, haha

[@OmarFernando1996]

Thanks :D

[@jesdadotcom]

Good presentation. I'm surprised more cars aren't made of plastic.

[@cmott8809]

Good vid👍👍👍

[@97I30T]

I'm already paranoid about rust because I drive a Mazda which have a reputation for rust. It's a 2015 so hopefully the newer ones don't rust like the older Ford based Mazdas do.

[@97I30T]

Serkan Ister Why would I have mentioned it there when the video topic was not about rust?

[@97I30T]

Serkan Ister I'm not having this discussion with you today, Serkan.

[@cpufreak101]

What did I miss? He seems to have deleted his comments lol

[@97I30T]

Justin Noker he did! Haha. I can't see his replies anymore. He was getting on my ass because I didn't talk about Mazdas having known rust issues in the past (which is true) in another video about the Mazda 6 on Redline Reviews channel but that's just because he loves ripping on Mazda any chance he gets and then he's the one who claims he's not biased. Lol. I didn't think it would work but as you can see I told him I'm not dealing with him today and he stopped. He thinks I'm a big Mazda fanboy and while I do like Mazda I'll acknowledge that just like every other brand they have their issues too.

[@97I30T]

Serkan Ister Yeah? Then where do I work and where do I live? The truth is that you know nothing about me outside of KZbin and you know it.

[@RoboLancer24]

Great explanation. Is there any interest on doing a video on diesel exhaust DPF regeneration cycles?

[@thomasbartlett3409]

TEMPERATURE and metal impurities also affect corrosion. Rust on automobiles is ACCELERATED by salt, moisture and heat. Most corrosion occurs during warmer temperatures as in spring, summer or heated garage. Moisture + Salt + Heat = RUST

[@JR007x]

wow...the drawing is amazing, as-is this vid, thanks for the education.

[@jameshenson4871]

What happened to The Chemistry of Cars? I really enjoyed these.

[@howardrobinson253]

this should not be a part of TFL line , it should be it's own show

[@cpufreak101]

Howard Robinson and it should be named "totally not copying engineering explained"

[@bhirmiz]

Since am manufacturers are going with aluminum can you do a aluminum version of this video?

[@billyhw99]

Can you do a video on aluminum corrosion? Thanks.

[@Flip_Angle]

Brilliant idea by this channel! Keep it up. I hope this propels your career upwards, just don't forget the _little people_😉. Hmm... how about the chemistry behind the catalyst in our exhaust.

[@davidhoover2446]

Our man Tommy has got some hydrated iron oxides up on his truck!!! ;)

[@MrBudpln]

How about spraying oil under the vehicle and in the doors?

[@mikejohnson-qm9us]

so do those electronic rust inhibitors actually work then?

[@adventuretraveling8957]

Woow gorgeous chemistry teacher 👨‍🏫👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LukeSutherland.]

What would you say about rust reformers/converters?

[@akinneyww]

Why do some cars use HOAT coolant and others use OAT coolant?

[@sanxi34]

Topic for a future video!! Gasoline and why haven't we gotten a perfect combustion where all that comes out of the exhaust pipe is just CO2 and H2O =D

[@MiguelAngel-rg4xg]

COULD YOU DO A PROGRAM TALKING ABOUT ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN CARS? I saw a video explaining that most humans on earth are exposed to electromagnetic radiation in tv, computers, celular smartphones, wifi, and cars,. and how electromagnetic radiation causes serious health illness. i would like to know how cars produce that kind of radiation and how it can be prevented. and with future electric vehicles, this will probably continue to happen, is there any way to solve this electromagnetic radiation caused by cars?

[@swissmrkc]

What happened with this segment? Did it go away?

[@hoimarvonditfuth-siefken6933]

Great job, well done. Continue on, evolving TFL into a fun& entertaining, "Knowlege channel around cars" . And have the coal rollers hit the Dislike Button twice. ;-)

[@Musclebikegforce]

chemistry of self etching primer

[@jeffk464]

I got one how do the turn liquid oil into asphalt.

[@LlyleHunter]

Smart like two colleges!

[@qcn_cummins4146]

Wait so my farm truck has a rusted through twisted frame i guess it's not safe

[@kcraftinsuranceagency4986]

Wow, good video but just a bit much on chemistry😁

[@jeffk464]

Live in Arizona or Nevada.

[@phillipcoiner4232]

She is awesome awesome awesome

[@WBush-uc9pe]

An ox and a red cat walk into a bar...

[@CAMAROFAN45]

aluminum rusts but isn't considered "rust" it's called corrosion which Is a part of rust

[@autovidz2455]

TIME-LAPSE!

[@lilloudone69]

On a serious note....chemistry of twerking 👀🙌just wanted to put it out there👌

[@nickcalder5165]

Or you could buy a Land Rover, Jaguar, '15 and up F150, or any car where the body panels are Aluminium.

[@Eeaotc02]

Don't listen to these losers Charlotte. Pretty much they are single guys who will never have future girlfriends. I think you're doing a great job. Keep it up!

[@PatLadsChan99]

Rah chill with the comments

[@WizardOfWhoopee]

To keep your car from rusting - move to the southwest.

[@Alex.AL_26]

My car is aluminium, so no rust to worry about!

[@AusJackal]

@ alex.. hate to tell you but aluminum does "rust" or more accurately it corrodes.

[@Alex.AL_26]

my dealer told me it won't rust so they must be incorrect.

[@AusJackal]

Alex A well technically it won't "rust" as rust is what iron turns to when it corrodes. I can assure you aluminum does corrode. it can corrode through environmental attack and it is very susceptible to dissimilar metal corrosion.

[@mostlymichaelcanada]

Aluminum will corrode and disintegrate after many years. I've seen old semi truck cabs (made of aluminum) that have simply disintegrated.

[@AusJackal]

at best he was using word play and worst they were lying to you. I've seen many Land Rovers and Range Rovers with large holes on the bodywork from environmental corrosion. If you drop a steel screw into a aluminum boat for example, it will corrode it's way through in no time at all... I used to install equipment on aluminum brackets in a coastal area. They would remain up for over 12 months between servicing cycles.. when I got them back to the office the surface was covered in a white powder... "rust"... luckily I pre-treated the surface with lanolin oil before I deployed them otherwise the "rust" would have been worse.

[@lilloudone69]

Waiting on her to drop the marker

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Cool video! Now you have to do a repair episode for that truck. ;) Smart move using a pretty girl for the video!! :)

[@Thebluebimmer]

Wheres charlotte now?

[@muhammedsheriff5351]

Damn I could listen to her all day she gorgeous asf

[@cabela7869]

I really like this girl

[@boldfount]

I cannot concantre because of your beauty

[@copenkagan]

M'lady.

[@skunkhollow1]

Ali Gürpınar Apparently it's affected your ability to spell as well 😒

[@boldfount]

TR7 TRIUMPH it is actually my phone's mistake

[@stephenlozada7158]

Are u sure ur the resident chemist 👩‍🔬 or artist 👨‍🎤 and you have engineering explained telling u what to say?

[@JamesForst]

No video, only sound.

[@cpufreak101]

_rust is nothing new here in the rust belt_

[@whipking1760]

THICK THICK

[@zc3303]

Cutie... She's smiling the entire video.. I want her

[@asifmahmud9092]

the best way to prevent rust ? Use carbon fiber panels xD

[@mad-maxx2211]

RUST ! OMG !

[@andresdlv]

beautiful and smart. I'm in love.

[@michaelboese6679]

Forget the rust and stick to the trucks and cars. C'mon! !!!

[@heathersanborn4914]

hhhuh she said penetrate

[@halliesartelle6079]

"sacrificial anode" was way better...

[@lucasbetterhavemysun7732]

Dat ass