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So you’re thinking about undercoating your Wrangler!?
Excellent choice.
…but don’t jump into anything just yet.
There are some things you need to consider before undercoating. It’s a double-edged sword, as there are arguments on both sides.
Today, we will take a closer look at both sides of the coin.
Here’s what you will learn:
- Should you undercoat a Jeep wrangler?
- Brief explanation of undercoating
- The 3 types of undercoating
- Do you need to undercoat your wrangler more than once?
- An alternative to traditional undercoating
Let’s get to it.
Should I Undercoat My Jeep Wrangler: I Compared The Pros & Cons
As I said, there are arguments on both sides.
…but here’s the most important question:
“Do you even need undercoating?”
People that live in hot climates year-round don’t need undercoating. On the flip side, living in wet and rainy climates and undercoating becomes more important.
You also need to ask yourself:
“How much do I love my Jeep?”
Undercoating ensures it will stand the test of time if you intend on keeping it for the foreseeable future.
If it’s a temporary rig while you’re waiting for the new one to arrive – then you can skip the undercoating.
Here’s why I recommend undercoating your Jeep:
- Dampens road noise
- Prevents rust
- Increases Wrangler’s lifespan
- You can do it yourself
…and the downsides
- You may get ripped off (Check Undercoating Prices Here)
- Heavier rig
- Needs to be reapplied (3-5 years)
- Not as good on ‘already rusty Jeeps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dampens Road Noise | You May Get Ripped Off |
| Prevents Rust | Heavier Rig |
| Increases Wrangler's Lifespan | Need To Be Reapplied |
| You Can Do It Yourself | Not As Good On ‘Already Rusty Jeeps’ |
What Is Undercoating?
Undercoating is designed to protect the undercarriage of your Jeep from the elements. Weekend warriors love hitting the road and putting their rigs to the test.
Push your Jeep to the limits and you’re bound to encounter some damage. Undercoating provides a layer of protection against dust, dirt, and sand.
There are various types of undercoating.
However, some common ingredients include silicone, rubber, asphalt, ceramics, and fiberglass.
3 Different Types Of Undercoating
As I mentioned, undercoating comes in many forms.
Here’s the breakdown:
Asphalt Undercoating
Asphalt undercoating is made from…
You guessed it!
Asphalt.
…100% asphalt, to be more specific.
It does an excellent job at deflecting water and moisture, so you don’t have to worry about rust.
It’s also great at reducing road noise.
…but you will need to apply a larger amount than a waxed-based alternative.
All in all, Asphalt Undercoating provides the best protection
Polyurethane-Based Undercoating
Polyurethane Undercoating does a great job at keeping into all the nooks and crannies. As well as dispersing moisture, it also adds a layer of protection.
The downside is that it’s not as straightforward as other types of undercoats. That’s not to say it’s difficult to apply – far from it!
However, it’s always recommended to use a primer beforehand. Sanding may also be necessary.
This doesn’t matter if you have time on your hands and don’t mind some DIY. It does mean that it will be more expensive if done by a professional.
Paraffin Undercoating (Wax)
Paraffin undercoating, also known as wax, is the oldest around, making it the most popular.
…doesn’t mean it’s the best, though.
Because it’s the cheapest, it also wears the fastest. That’s not to say you shouldn’t use it, but be prepared to undercoat more frequently.
How Often To Undercoat Your Jeep
As Jeep owners, off-roading is a big part of our life. That means our undercarriage takes more damage in the form of small stones, sand, dust, and other debris.
If you applied undercoating 6 months ago, all this impact will cause the protective layer to chip. Eventually, it will start to crack and allow water inside, leaking to corrosion and rust.
Therefore, off-roaders need to undercoat more frequently.
I recommend it once every 6 months.
You can also get away with it once a year.
Should You Undercoat It Yourself?
Undercoating can be done in your garage, providing you have some basic equipment.
“But should I DIY it?”
I’ve heard this question many times.
My response is always the same:
“If you know what you’re doing”.
Something as simple as undercoating may seem like a walk in the park. However, you can make mistakes that may cause issues.
Here’s a video I recommend following if you want to do it yourself:
If you want to hire a professional, you need to be careful. Not because the work will be bad, but in case you get overcharged.
Most undercoating jobs cost between $150-$300.
…I’ve heard of people paying up to $600.
Do your research and shop around to prevent spending more than you need to.
The Type Of Undercoating I Recommend…
After trying countless undercoatings, I’ve compiled a list of the best ones.
If you’ve gone through that list and are still struggling to pick, I recommend Fluid Film.
Fluid Film has a proven track record of preventing corrosion in the most extreme conditions. It was first used in boating during the 1940s.
After seeing the potential, people started applying it to their vehicles.
…and it became super popular with Jeeps.
After all, we sure know how to destroy a rig, huh!?
An Undercoating Alternative...
If you’re into old-school techniques, you can use motor oil as undercoating.
Sounds crazy, right!?
…sometimes crazy in the best.
I’ve never used motor oil myself; however, I’ve heard of many folks who do.
Here’s a video explaining the process…
Summary
If you’re an off-roader, it’s always worth undercoating your Jeep. Not only does it prevent corrosion, but it’s also cost-effective (if you do it yourself!).
The more protection your Jeep has…
…the longer it will last.
If you’re low on cash, you can use motor oil as an alternative.
