The 2023 Chevy Colorado Provides Superior Rust Protection
Usually, new trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado usually get better and better. But this midsize truck made a bit of a confusing decision regarding frame protection. Check out how the 2023 Chevy Colorado changed protection methods.
Is the 2023 Chevy Colorado frame protected from rust?
Yes, the 2023 Chevy Colorado does offer protection from rust. However, General Motors has applied a wax coating to truck and SUV frames from wax corrosion years. This practice seems a little dated, but it works.
But the 2023 Colorado has a painted frame. The e-coating process is what rivals like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 have been using for years. So, why does the fullsize Silverado get wax while the smaller Colorado has paint?
According to Pickup Truck Talk, the wax method has been viewed as the superior way to go. The wax will grow back to fill in scratches, unlike a painted frame. If a painted frame is scratched, it remains exposed to the elements.
Although, some owners have criticized the wax frame for falling off in areas with regularly salted roads, leaving them with no protection.
With e-coating, an electrical charge is applied to the wet paint finishing process to attract paint to the metal surface. The frame receives a positive or negative charge before the paint is applied, and it’s pulled into tiny spaces to provide an even coat.
Is the Colorado better protected with paint?
The 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 both meet high standards for corrosion prevention. The difference in coating between the Silverado and Colorado frames was based on engineering decisions while the trucks were being developed.
Plus, the differences could be related to costs. Switching from wax to paint for larger trucks could be expensive.
However, there’s a reason why most automotive brands have moved away from wax. It’s seen as an outdated and potentially inferior process. It isn’t viewed as a long-term solution, and the wax can be removed by fingernail scratches.
Box frames may add to the problem by trapping more water, dirt, and debris than trucks with an open C-channel frame. You don’t hear about Chevy models rusting more than Ford trucks, though.
The key to longevity is proper care and maintenance. Regular washes and adding frame-protecting solutions should prevent corrosion.
Is the Colorado prone to rust?
No, the Chevy Colorado isn’t prone to rust. It’s actually one of the trucks that have an excellent reputation against rust corrosion. Newer vehicles with updated protection methods, like e-coating, tend to have more defense.
The risk of rust may vary based on where you live. For example, there tends to be less rust in the south because the roads aren’t salted nearly as often. Also, surface rust doesn’t pose the same threat as mechanical rust.
It’s strange that the Colorado and Canyon use paint while their bigger brothers, the Silverado and Sierra, use wax.
Paint offers more long-term protection, but wax still gets the job done. The old-school way holds up, despite sometimes leaving massive chunks of wax in the road. Maybe the bigger trucks will switch to paint after receiving upgrades.
