Preventing Rust & Corrosion on Buses in Minnesota

Wash Buses Frequently in the Winter

Road salt and chemical de-icers build up quickly on lower panels and undercarriages. Without regular cleaning, corrosion can take hold within weeks. Our team recommends washing every bus weekly during the cold season, with more frequent cleanings when storms are heavy.

Focus on pressure washing the frame, wheel wells, and steps. If your fleet doesn’t have access to a heated wash bay, Voigt’s bus body shop can help coordinate seasonal cleaning and inspections.

Apply Rust Protection in the Fall

Before winter arrives, apply a durable undercoating to metal surfaces, such as the suspension, frame, and axles. This shields vulnerable parts from exposure to salt and moisture. Many operators also apply protective wax coatings to exterior panels for extra defense.

At our bus body shop in St. Augusta, we offer seasonal rust-proofing treatments that help slow down corrosion before it starts, ideal for both school buses and charter coaches.

Regularly Inspect for Damage & Rust

It only takes one chip in the paint to expose bare metal. Ensure your team or service provider inspects every vehicle’s bodywork monthly during high-risk periods. Common rust zones include:

• Door frames and step wells
• Around lights and reflectors
• Undercarriage frame edges
• Around roof seams and window sills

Our bus body shop technicians are trained to spot early signs of corrosion and surface breakdown before they spread to structural areas.

Schedule Prompt Repairs for Dents & Scrapes

Don’t let minor damage linger. Rust often begins in areas where the paint has cracked or chipped. Immediate refinishing or spot repair prevents water from reaching the underlying metal, thereby preventing further damage.

Voigt’s bus body shop handles refinishing, dent repair, and repainting in-house. We also provide decal matching and replacement to restore your bus to professional condition after repair.

Store Indoors or Use Protective Covers

If you can park your buses indoors, even part-time, you’ll extend the life of their body panels and hardware. If indoor space is limited, rotate which units are stored overnight, and consider investing in overhead shelters or protective tarps for outdoor storage.

We also recommend coordinating seasonal rust inspections with your bus body shop to ensure that nothing is missed, especially after a prolonged period of storms or freeze-thaw cycles.