Rustproofing: Do you need it? // Well, maybe, say automakers

Detroit's automakers have made giant strides in making the sheetmetal of cars more corrosion-free, but don't be fooled into thinkingtheir long rust warranties guarantee your new car is completelyprotected from rust.

In fact, cars can rust in some areas that make them downrighthazardous to drive.

When buying a new car, consumers must make the decision whetherto spend another $200 or so to have the car rustproofed, either bythe dealer or by an outside firm, such as Ziebart Corp.

Although automakers are increasingly using galvanized steel andelectrocoat primers to make cars more resistant to rust, and designthem to avoid pockets and crevices prone to …