What is the "Lada-Vesta" body: galvanized or not?

«Lada-Vesta” Russian b - class, developed together with foreign engineers on “AVTOVAZ”. In fact this is our first brand that can compete on a par with German and Korean cars. But despite the cooperation with foreigners, a lot of controversy going around about the build quality of the “news” and the protection level of the body. One of the most frequent questions relates to what is «Lada-Vesta" body – galvanized or not. In today's article we will try to figure this out.

Methods of protection

To protect the metal from corrosion zinc is used. It is a nonferrous metal with a negative potential. What does it mean? During operation the zinc layer is destroyed first, save for him. The element does not allow the rust to spread rapidly, taking the entire shot. Thus, the thicker the layer of zinc, the better the protection. But a lot depends on the method of application. Whether galvanized body «Lada Vesta" we learn during the story about methods of protection of metal.

Hot fusion

This is the high quality, but expensive method of galvanizing. What is its essence? The entire body is placed in a bath with zinc at a temperature of about 500 degrees. The metal is evenly enveloped with a protective layer. Zinc gets into all cavities. Experts say that this is the correct and long-lasting method of protection. But the process is quite complicated and requires a huge cash outlay. Mostly this technology has been practiced for cars of premium class. This «Bentley», «Porsche”, “Lamborghini" and so on (also had a Volvo with such treatment). On the car «Lada-Vesta” the body in this way will not be processed. It would have to display the cost of the machine that would reduce her popularity.

Electroplating

The essence of this method? The operation involves the use of zinc ions, which are deposited on the back of negative polarity. The method uses the energy constant electric current. Zinc ions are positively charged, and the body – is negative. Thus, the protective particles uniformly cover the metal, protecting it from corrosion in the future. What are the cars used in the method of electroplating? This is the German «Mercedes», BMW, Japanese "Honda», «Toyota» and ‘Mitsubishi’. Electroplating is practiced and Koreans of concern «Hyundai». And here «Kia» apply technology tsinkrometalla. This coating consists of two layers. Used mainly in “the Optima” and “Serato”.

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Cold galvanizing

Unlike hot fashion, here the body is not placed in the bathroom. Zinc is applied from a spray bottle. The surface treatment Process is identical to painting. The method is very simple and economical. Is used by manufacturers:

• “Chevy".
• «Kia» (below C-class).
• Vases (including «Lada-Vesta”).

Body Metal after this treatment protected against corrosion. But this method has its disadvantages. So, cold galvanizing impossible to achieve such a uniform and solid coating when hot.

Features of the processing «news»

Galvanized body «Lada-Vesta” or not, we already know. It is processed by cold method. But it should be noted that the zinc is applied not to the entire surface. After treatment there is still a lot of hidden cavities, including salon. To protect such areas the plant uses anti-corrosion primer. The manufacturer calls this technology cataphoresis. As stated by the company «AVTOVAZ», ‘Vesta’ treated with this soil in two layers. This completely eliminates the access of air into the cavity between the damaged paintwork and metal.

Paint

To protect «Lada-Vesta” from the manufacturer rust stains in five layers. First – zinc caused by cold method. The second and third – anti-corrosion primer. It is applied, as we have said earlier, in two layers. Next comes the basecoat. The finish coat is a clear nail Polish. Thus, the total thickness of the layers is 90-100 microns. Among them, ten microns is zinc. But because of the uneven coverage it may be reduced to eight.

How Long would it last?

Along with the question of whether the galvanized body «Lada-Vesta” or not, many are interested in the duration of this protection. The manufacturer selects a warranty period of six years. Before starting mass production so the body was tested in a box with a salt spray. In this room the body was about two and a half months. As shown by the result, the body «Lada-Vesta” perfectly coped with test. But how long will the metal after the warranty period? The experts give their calculations. If one hundred microns of zinc is enough for 80-100 years, the factory layer of 8-10 microns will last about seven to ten years. What to do after this period? You need to regularly monitor the condition of the paintwork and to take preventive measures. We will tell about them next.

How to preserve the integrity of the body is “news” for a long time?

Knowing this, if the body is galvanized«Lada-Vesta” or not, we should not neglect preventive measures. First of all it concerns washing. It should be regular, especially in winter. Many will say why waste money and wash off dirt, if it is to protect the smooth layer of paint from the same plaque. This belief is fundamentally wrong. The fact that in winter, this dirt contains a reagent, which is sprinkled with road municipal services. And the larger the layer, the higher the risk of corrosion. This is especially true of places that are only treated with primer, without zinc. Special attention when washing pay arqam and other hidden cavities (sills, bottom of wings). These areas start to rot first. Periodically check the drain holes (at the bottom of the sills and doors). They should not be clogged. Otherwise this will significantly speed up corrosion processes.

You can Also protect the body from "sandblasting" with a transparent protective film. It not only prevents corrosion, but retain the color and integrity of the body intact.

About the primer

Everywhere whether galvanized body «Lada-Vesta" or not? It is protected only on the outer perimeter. The salon remains “naked”. But this does not mean that in these areas the corrosion will occur sooner.
After galvanizing the body as a whole is placed in a tub of soil, and in two passes. This helps to prevent the formation of rust in hidden cavities. In addition, the layer of zinc it interacts poorly with the underlying enamel. To fix, use a primer. It is a kind of connecting link, which does not allow the paint to fall off at the wrong moment.

Process only “news”?

Many are now asking about why the manufacturer started to consider this question only with the release of ‘Vesta". It is not so. The fact that the zinc was exposed and other models of VAZ. This "prior" (models after 2009) «Kalina" second generation «Lada-Granta”. But still the body is not treated as a whole. So, «Kalina» zinc was absent on the rear and front side members, the roof and on the hood. To avoid corrosion, at least partially, had to set the wing flaps. "prior" processed nearly everywhere except the roof and bonnet. But again, without lockers can not do.

‘Vesta" the same is treated with zinc across the outer surface (the rear fenders in particular), except for the roof. Additionally, some plots treated with floatstone. This threshold, and the bottom of the arch. Yes, “AVTOVAZ” and has previously used the technology of cold galvanizing. But best of all it is implemented it is on “West”.

Conclusion

So, we found, have galvanized «Lada-Vesta” the body or not. With the release of new models the manufacturer has paid great attention to this issue. The machine should be no less resistant to rust than its competitors “Volkswagen Polo” and “Hyundai-Solaris”. As noted by reviews, the car really stands up well to moisture, salt and temperature changes. But there are negative sides. Thus, in the first models of “news” the rear lights were rubbing on the wing. Because of this protective layer is simply worn. On new models, this drawback is completely eliminated. As practice shows, “AVTOVAZ” regularly work on fixing “children's diseases” from “news”. This allows it to hold the leading positions in ratings of sales.