Most if not bikes are made from a variety of materials, including steel and aluminum. Larger bikes usually have frames made from steel. While the connection to rust is strong with this type of material, there are ways to prevent it from occurring or at least slow down the process. Therefore, how long does it take for a bike to rust?
A bike will take a week before it rusts, though this does not apply to all the bike parts. A bike is made with different types of metals and alloys, and these metals have varying degrees of resistance to rust.
For example, though it will typically take a week for the bike’s frame to start showing signs of rust, the brakes and the chains, including some other components, will start rusting.
Moreover, some simple parts of the bike are not as protected as some other parts, which will cause the bike to malfunction as some of these simple parts are very important and are integral to the running of the bike.
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What Can Make My Bike To Rust?
Exposure To Rain
This is one of the major causes of bike rusting. When you leave your bike uncovered and completely exposed to rain, the metal body parts will start soaking in moisture which is a major catalyst for rusting. More so, rain erodes the sheer coating and painting of some of the body parts of the bike which will eventually spread to the heavier coated sides, therefore, covering the whole bike with rust.
Moreover, it is a lot harder to recover the bike to its original state when it rusts and this is why you must take special care to avoid leaving your bike in the rain.
Leaving Dirt On It
Even if your bike is a dirt bike, it still will not augur well with it if you don’t scrub it once in a while. Dirt is a mixture of a lot of compounds and elements in the soil, including scrappy ones that are going to nudge off the coating on your bike. Therefore, leaving them over an extended period on your bike is tantamount to exposing them to corrosive elements.
Some types of dirt contain certain elements that quicken the corrosion of metals, while some just contain a lot of debris that will leave marks in the coatings of the metals in your bike thus exposing it to rust and deterioration.
Ocean Breeze
This is especially for people who live near the ocean or saltwater lakes. The breeze from oceans or saltwater lakes is highly corrosive and will make your bike rust at an amazing speed. Ocean breeze carries residues of highly reactive electronegative salts like chlorine and sodium nitrates that have big adverse effects on the metals that your bike is made with.
Moreover, this can also mess up the grease and oils that you applied on the brakes and chains of your bike. Therefore, it is advised that you find your bike in very tight storage if you are living near the ocean or saltwater lakes.
How Do I Remove Rust From My Bike?
There are simple and ready ways you can remove rust from your bike which will not necessarily demand your pocket. They are effective when done correctly and might exacerbate the issue when messed up with. Take note of these simple remedies and be sure to remember the cautions attached to them.
Also, since these remedies can be used independently, there is no rule forbidding you from using several of them in case the situation warrants it.
Use WD-40
This is a very effective brand when it comes to general rust removal. All you need to do is to spray it on the surface where the rust is (take note, WD-40 is for surface rusts not for deep-rooted ones or chains.) and scrub gently with soapy water to wipe away the rust. While doing this, ensure that you do not scratch the surface of the metal to avoid further rust.
Use Chain Oil
As the name suggests, it is for chains and not ideal for surface rusts. Rusts in bike chains can be a little tricky, so you will need to apply a chain oil then wipe it with a soft cloth. Ensure that you do this link by link of the chain so that you can completely get the rusts off.
NOTE: dropping the oil link by link is more effective than dredging the whole chain with it.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is an easily accessible remedy that anyone can find near the house. It is particularly effective on surface rust and can be the best remover for you if you use it right. All you need to do is make a thick paste of baking soda and use it to scrub off the rusts on the bike and make sure to use soft towels or a toothbrush while doing this.
Use Vinegar Or Cola
These can work wonders on a rusty bike. Spray the bike with vinegar or cola and scrub off with aluminium or tin foil.
Where Can I Store My Bike?
You can store your bike in these places,
- A garage
- Under a bike cover or waterproof trampoline.
- Under the stairs.
To Conclude…
A bike can rust within days or weeks or can even take years depending on the care you give it. Bikes are made of most metals and these metals are of varying resistance to rust and corrosion. Therefore, you must give the whole part of the bike the attention it deserves as one neglected part can spread rust to others.
Moreover, quick and immediate action is needed when you find out that your bike is rusting, because, if allowed to continue unabated, it will be very hard to recover your bike to its lost glory.
