Maintenance Of Hybrid Cars

[VVTi]

Unless I travelled along the coast on an extended trip, I normally don't get an undercarriage wash at all. The only time I get an undercarriage wash done is when there is a repair to be done on the suspension or engine. It helps to have it clean.

[The Don]

I'll add my 2 cents to this as well. Now I am a firm believer that undercarriage washes are unnecessary as well.

But recently I had the misfortune of working on two cars both Nissan's from 2000 and both used in the UK and both had significant rust issues on the rear axle and suspension assemblies including arms, axle itself, and the rear brake backing plate (which on one side was quite badly rusted).

The rear axle on the march needs to be replaced as on one side the axle has developed a hole close to where the brake drums attach to it.

All of this was caused by salt on the roads during winter, and of course poor rust proofing on the components in the first place. I've not seen the same in European cars including French ones. There was no body rust on the cars, but rust on the running gear.

One of the cars already needed a front crossmember due to rust as well.

I've never seen rust like this on these components in Sri Lanka on these cars. (one is sold as the N16 sunny and the other the K11 Nissan March)

So if you live in a costal area, having your under carriage washed and sprayed with oil does seem like a good idea.............