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

«Лада-Веста» - российский автомобиль В-класса, developed jointly with foreign engineers at 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 surrounds the build quality of Vesta and the level of body protection. One of the most frequent questions concerns whether the body of Lada-Vesta is galvanized or not. In today's article we will try to figure it out.

Protection methods

Zinc is used to protect the metal from corrosion.This is a non-ferrous metal with a negative potential. What does it mean? During operation, the zinc layer is destroyed first, keeps the coating under it. The element does not allow rust to spread quickly, taking upon itself the whole blow. Thus, the thicker the zinc layer, the better the protection. But a lot depends on the method of application. Whether the body of the Lada Vesta is galvanized, we will learn in the course of the story about metal protection methods.

Hot method

This is the highest quality, but expensive way.galvanizing. What is its essence? The whole body is placed in a zinc bath at a temperature of about 500 degrees. The metal is uniformly coated with a protective layer.

Zinc penetrates all cavities.Experts say that this is the most correct and durable way to protect. But the process is quite complicated and requires a huge cash outlay. Basically, this technology is practiced on the machines of premium. These are Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini and so on (there were also Volvo with this treatment). On the car "Lada-Vesta" body in this way is not processed. This would be significantly reflected in the cost of the car, which would reduce its popularity.

Electroplating

What is the essence of this method?The operation is to use zinc ions, which are deposited on the body with negative polarity. The method uses the energy of direct electric current. Zinc ions are positively charged, and the body is negatively charged. Thus, the protective particles uniformly cover the metal, protecting it from corrosion in the future. Which cars use the method of electroplating? These are German “Mercedes”, BMW, Japanese “Honda”, “Toyota”, and also “Mitsubishi”. Electroplating practice and Koreans from the concern "Hyundai". But "Kia" apply the technology of zinc-metal. This coating consists of two layers. Used primarily on Optima and Surato.

Cold galvanizing

Unlike the hot method, here the body does not fit in the bathroom. Zinc is applied from a spray bottle.

The process of surface treatment is identical to painting. The method is very simple and economical. Used by such manufacturers:

• Chevrolet.
• "Kia" (below the C-class).
• VAZ (including the "Lada-West").

The metal of the body after such treatment is protected from corrosion. But this method has its drawbacks. So, during cold galvanizing it is impossible to achieve such a uniform and solid coating, as with hot.

Features processing "Vesta"

Galvanized body "Lada-Vesta" or not, we alreadywe know It is processed by the cold method. But it is worth noting that this zinc is not applied to the entire surface. After processing, there is still a lot of hidden cavities, including the interior. In order to protect such areas, a corrosion resistant primer is used at the factory. The manufacturer calls this technology cataphoresis.

As AvtoVAZ claims, Vesta has been treated with this primer in two layers. This allows you to completely eliminate the access of air into the cavity between the damaged paintwork and metal.

Paint layers

In order to maximally protect Lada-West fromcorrosion manufacturer paints it in five layers. The first is cold-applied zinc. The second and third is an anticorrosion primer. It is applied, as we said earlier, in two layers.

Next comes the base enamel.Finishing coat is clear lacquer. Thus, the total thickness of the layers is 90-100 microns. Among them, ten microns occupies zinc. But due to uneven coverage, it can be reduced to eight.

How long is enough?

Along with the question of whether the body is galvanizedLada-Vesta or not, many are interested in the duration of this protection. The manufacturer itself provides a warranty period of six years. Before launching into mass production such a body was tested in a box with salt fog. In this room, the body was about two and a half months. As the result showed, the Lada-Vesta's body coped well with the ordeal. But how long will the metal last after the warranty period? Experts give their calculations. If one hundred microns of zinc lasts for 80-100 years, then the factory layer of 8-10 microns will last about seven to ten years. What to do after this period? It is necessary to regularly monitor the state of the LPC and take preventive measures. We will tell about them further.

How to maintain the integrity of the body "Vesta" for a long time?

Knowing whether the Lada-Vesta body is galvanized or not,do not neglect preventive measures. First of all it concerns washing. It should be regular, especially in winter. Many will say, they say, why spend money and wash off dirt, if it protects the paint from the same raid evenly. This belief is fundamentally wrong. The fact is that in the winter this dirt contains reagents that are used by public utilities. And the larger the layer, the higher the risk of corrosion. This is especially true of places that are treated only with a primer, without zinc. We pay special attention to the arches and other hidden cavities (sills, bottom of the wings). These places start to rot first. Periodically check the drainage holes (at the bottom of the sills and doors). They should not be clogged. Otherwise, it will significantly accelerate corrosion processes.

You can also protect the body from "sandblasting" by pasting a transparent protective film. It will not only prevent corrosion, but will preserve the color and preservation of the body in its original form.

About primer

Is the Lada-Vesta body galvanized everywhere or not? It is protected only on the outer perimeter. Salon remains "naked." But this does not mean that in such places corrosion will occur earlier.

After galvanizing, the whole body is placed in the bathwith the ground, and in two rounds. This eliminates the appearance of rust in hidden cavities. In addition, a layer of zinc does not interact well with the base enamel. To fix it, use the ground. It is a kind of link that prevents the paint from falling off at the most unnecessary moment.

Are they processing only Vesta?

Many will now ask why the manufacturerI began to think about this issue only with the release of "Vesta". This is not entirely true. The fact is that other models of VAZs were also galvanized. These are the Priora (models after 2009), the second generation Kalina, and the Lada-Grant. But still the body was not processed entirely. So, on the "Kalina" galvanization was absent on the rear and front side members, the roof and on the hood. To eliminate corrosion, at least partially, it was necessary to install fenders. The Priora was processed almost everywhere, except for the roof and the bonnet. But again, without lockers here is not enough.

"Vesta" is treated with zinc over the entire outer surface (including the rear wings), except for the roof. Additionally, some areas are treated with anti-gravity. This thresholds, bottom and arches.

Yes, AvtoVAZ has previously used cold galvanizing technology. But best of all, it is implemented exactly on “Vesta”.

Conclusion

So, we found out that the body is galvanized at Lada-Vesta.or not. With the release of the new model, the manufacturer paid great attention to this issue. The car should be no less resistant to rust than its competitors Volkswagen-Polo and Hyundai-Solaris. According to the reviews themselves, the car really well withstands moisture, salt and temperature drops. But there are also negative sides. So, on the first models of "Vesta" taillights rubbed on the wing. Because of this, the protective layer was simply worn out. On new models, this flaw is completely eliminated. As practice shows, AvtoVAZ regularly works to eliminate “childhood diseases” from Vesta. This allows her to maintain a leading position in sales ratings.