Do Motorcycle Covers Prevent Rust? And Cause Rust?

Motorcycle covers play a pivotal role in preventing the formation of rust on your motorbike. By providing a barrier against the elements, covers safeguard against moisture, which is a primary catalyst for rust formation. With a high-quality cover in place, you have a shield that keeps rain, snow, dew, and other environmental moisture at bay, especially when you store your motorcycle outdoors.

Regular use of a motorcycle cover helps preserve the bike’s aesthetic appeal as well as its structural integrity, simply by reducing the risk of corrosion. However, it is essential to choose a breathable cover and ensure your motorcycle is clean and dry before you apply it. Otherwise, you could trap moisture underneath, potentially creating the perfect conditions for rust to set in.

So, a motorcycle cover prevents rust, but only when used correctly. With the appropriate deployment of a suitable vehicle cover, you can prevent rust and preserve the longevity and appearance of your cherished two-wheeler.

How Motorcycle Rust Forms

Rust forms on motorcycles via a chemical reaction known as oxidation. When unprotected metal components made from iron or steel come into contact with moisture and oxygen, the rusting process begins. There are other things that can accelerate this process, like:

• Road salt
• Rain
• Environmental pollutants

The motorcycle parts that are most susceptible to rust include the frame, exhaust system, bolts, and other metal parts. If the paintwork or other finishes are scratched or chipped, the metal beneath is exposed to the elements and moisture and oxygen find their way in.

Rust is more likely to occur on your motorcycle if you neglect regular protective measures like cleaning, waxing, or using motorcycle covers. You can be proactive in your approach, engaging consistently in maintenance and applying rust inhibitors alongside the use of a cover to create a robust defense against the threat of corrosion. This will help preserve the aesthetic and structural integrity of your motorbike.

When used correctly, motorcycle covers do not cause rust. In fact, one of the primary functions of the best outdoor vehicle covers is to prevent it. Unfortunately, however, certain conditions and improper use of a motorbike cover can contribute to rust formation. The primary risks are as follows:

• Applying a motorbike cover to a wet motorcycle, or if the cover itself is damp. This can trap moisture on the bike’s surface, creating an environment that leads to rust. Never apply a cover to a wet vehicle.
• Using non-breathable covers for extended periods of time, particularly in humid conditions, can contribute to condensation build-up underneath the cover.

It is easy to avoid these risks. First, make sure you invest in a breathable cover for your motorcycle that facilitates air circulation underneath. Also, always check that your motorcycle is dry before you apply a cover, particularly for longer periods of storage. These simple precautions will minimize the risk of a motorcycle cover contributing to rust formation.

Take the following steps to protect your motorcycle from the corrosive effects of rust:

• Clean regularly: Washing your motorcycle regularly will keep it free of dirt, road salt, and other contaminants that can accelerate rust formation.
• Dry thoroughly: Ensure your motorcycle is dried fully before covering to prevent trapping moisture on the surface.
• Waxing and polishing: Protective wax coatings can add a barrier against moisture and environmental elements.
• Quality motorcycle cover: A bike will rust outside without a cover. Invest in a waterproof, breathable cover like our Premium Edition polypropylene one to provide a protective barrier.
• Rust inhibitors: Motorcycle-specific rust inhibitors can be applied to vulnerable metal parts to slow down oxidation.
• Inspect regularly: Look over your bike’s body periodically to check for scratches or chips on the paint. Address these issues immediately to prevent rust.

These tips are applicable to motorcycle, car, and even ATV covers, so pay attention to rust prevention measures and protect your vehicles.

Proper Motorcycle Cover Use And Storage

It is not difficult to put a motorcycle on quickly and safely to provide robust protection for your bike. Here are some guidelines on proper application, as well as the correct way to store your motorcycle cover to keep it in prime condition.

• Clean and dry: Before you apply the cover, make sure your motorcycle is clean and dry to ensure no moisture is trapped underneath.
• Breathable covers: Only apply a breathable cover to your motorcycle so that air can circulate underneath and prevent condensation.
• Fit securely: A snug, secure fit is crucial to ensure no water penetration can happen whilst preventing excessive strain on seams.

When it comes to storing your motorcycle cover, you should ensure it is clean and free from debris. Then, you must fold it carefully and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will ensure the cover remains in optimal condition to provide reliable protection against rust the next time you need to cover your motorcycle.

Preventing Rust In Other Ways

There are some lesser-known approaches to rust prevention on motorcycles that you could consider for maximum protection:

• A tea bath for chrome parts: By submerging chrome parts in black tea, you can add a natural protective layer that deters rust.
• Aerosol corrosion inhibitors: Spray-on corrosion inhibitors on metal components can apply an extra barrier against moisture and oxygen.
• Silica gel: Some people place silica gel packs strategically on their motorcycle when in storage to draw moisture away from the body.
• Desiccants: Desiccant pouches can be placed in indoor storage areas to control humidity and help prevent condensation.
• Boiled linseed oil: Some people believe that applying boiled linseed oil to exposed metal surfaces provides a natural protective coating.
• Regular engine runs: If you start the motorcycle periodically, it generates heat to inhibit condensation inside the engine.

These clever tricks can be integrated into your regular motorcycle maintenance practices to strengthen your arsenal against rust formation.

The best waterproof vehicle covers should be on your radar when you look for a motorcycle cover that prevents rust effectively. We have such covers among our offerings, providing the most effective protection you will find against the elements and threats that contribute to rust formation.

Our Premium Edition polypropylene motorcycle cover for outdoor use is a market leader for rust prevention. Its key features that achieve this include:

• Comprehensive waterproofing to protect against rain, snow, and other environmental moisture.
• A breathable fabric to allow air circulation underneath the cover.
• Soft fleece inner lining for a gentle touch on paintwork.
• A guaranteed fit based on the make, model, and year of your motorbike.
• An elastic hem and grommets and lanyards on both sides for a secure installation.

Our Standard and Basic Edition covers also offer superb protection at different price points, and we have excellent covers for indoor storage as well. You won’t find better covers to protect your motorcycle from rust than our products.

While a motorcycle cover can help prevent rust, true rust-proofing is a multi-faceted process whereby you combat the corrosive effects of moisture. Here’s a guide you can follow to effectively rust-proof your bike:

1. Begin by giving the bike a thorough clean, removing any contaminants that might cause rust.
2. On the most vulnerable parts, apply a rust inhibitor or other protective coatings.
3. Consider using some of the other complementary solutions we suggested earlier, like waxing the motorcycle or using natural protectants like boiled linseed oil.
4. Utilize a breathable, weather-resistant motorcycle cover whenever your bike is not in use.
5. Regularly inspect the bike’s body for scratches or chips and address those issues promptly.

These preventative measures enable you to be proactive in furnishing your motorcycle with the defensive mechanisms it needs against rust.

If you want the best possible solution to work with your motorcycle, van, or SUV cover to protect against rust, you can opt for a professional rust-proofing service. These technicians typically apply specialized rust inhibitors, protective coatings, and corrosion-resistant treatments with an expert hand. A professional service will assess the specific needs of your boke and target the most vulnerable areas prone to rust.

These services possess industry-grade products and equipment that won’t be available for DIY rust-proofing. They will carry out a meticulous cleaning process to remove existing threats before applying the preventative measures.

This type of service comes at a cost, but it offers maximum protection. If you entrust your motorcycle to skilled experts, you will definitely enhance its resilience against environmental elements and extend its overall lifespan.

With some proactive intervention, you may be able to drastically slow the progression of rust, but reversing it completely is challenging. The first things to do is promptly address the affected area with the following steps:

1. Remove loose rust with a wire brush or sandpaper until the clean metal is exposed.
2. Apply a rust converter that transforms the remaining rust into a stable compound.
3. Follow this by applying a rust inhibitor to prevent further oxidation.
4. Finish with a protective topcoat to seal the metal as thoroughly as possible.

If the rust is too deep-set, or there is already structural damage, you may need to bring in professional assistance or replace the affected part completely. The best approach is to prevent rust from gaining a foothold in the first place, which you can do by following the advice in this article. Rust can be mitigated and controlled once it is triggered, but prevention is a far better approach. Motorcycle covers help prevent rust, so they should be a fundamental part of your approach to protecting your motorbike.

WD-40 is a versatile lubricant and protective spray, and it can be helpful in inhibiting rust on motorcycles up to a point. It is very effective at displacing moisture, forming a thin protective layer on metal surfaces that can temporarily shield against oxidation.

If you want to use WD-40 as a rust prevention measure, apply it to things like:

• Bolts
• Nuts
• Exposed metal

While it can help, it is not as effective as dedicated rust inhibitors and protective coatings. If you want thorough and long-lasting protection, you need to take a multi-pronged approach using the methods recommended in this post.

Regular application of rust-proofing products, and frequent use of a waterproof, breathable motorcycle cover, provides a robust defense against corrosion. This keeps your motorcycle protected and preserves both its aesthetics and functionality.