All You Need To Know About GM Frame Rust Warranty

When it comes to auto manufacturers, General Motors (GM) is hard to beat. The American brand has been around since 1908 and has brought several well-known manufacturers into its fold. Consumers appreciate GM’s high-quality vehicles that prioritize performance, safety, and affordability. As dependable as GM vehicles are, it’s nice to know that the brand offers reliable warranties in case something were to go wrong. These warranties give you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to an investment as significant as a car.

GM provides coverage for everything from engines and powertrains to eAssist components. In this article, we’ll specifically focus on the GM frame rust warranty. Read on to learn what to do when you start to notice those pesky rust spots on your GM vehicle.

What to Know About the GM Frame Rust Warranty

Here are some things to know about GM’s warranty for frame rust:

Cadillac Frame Rust Warranty

The Cadillac frame rust warranty offers rust-through protection for all body and sheet metal components. The rust in question must be an “actual hole in the panel.” The typical coverage period lasts for six years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. As for corrosion protection, Cadillac guarantees the protection of all body and sheet metal components against corrosion for four years or 50,000 miles.

GMC Frame Rust Warranty

The GMC frame rust warranty covers all rusted-through body and sheet metal components for the standard six years or 100,000 miles. As for corrosion protection, the warranty covers corrosion against all body and sheet metal components for three years or 36,000 miles.

Chevrolet Frame Rust Warranty

The Chevrolet frame rust warranty is the same as GMC’s, offering protection for all body and sheet metal components against panel holes for six years or 100,000 miles. Chevrolet’s corrosion protection is also the same as GMC’s, with three-year or 36,000-mile coverage for corrosion of all body and sheet metal components.

Buick Frame Rust Warranty

Unlike the other GM brands, Buick does not offer a specific frame rust warranty. This may be because Buick does not offer any vehicles using body-on-frame construction, and therefore do not have a separate frame. Buick’s standard rust-through protection, which covers all body and sheet metal components for the standard six years or 100,000 miles, provides similar coverage for both cosmetic and structural rust issues.

Know That Flexible Coverage Periods Might Be Available

We’ve noted the standard GM warranty plans for rust and corrosion, but note that you might have chosen a different plan when you bought your vehicle. Many drivers opt for additional coverage to obtain peace of mind, especially if they live in colder areas that are infamous for rusting cars. You can contact your dealership to determine the exact warranty plan you have.

It’s also worth noting that if you have a used vehicle, your coverage might not last as long as you think it would. For instance, imagine you bought a Cadillac that had an original rust protection plan of six years or 100,000 miles. If you took over ownership of the car three years after the original owner bought it, you would only have up to three more years of rust protection.

Understand the Difference Between Corrosion and Rust

For each GM auto manufacturer, we’ve noted their rust and corrosion protection policies. These policies might sound similar at first, but they have distinctions that are important to know when it’s time to make a claim. Corrosion is the process of oxidation deteriorating a range of metals and nonmetals. Rust is a type of corrosion, but it specifically refers to the oxidation of iron when moisture and air are present. Just because rust is present, it doesn’t necessarily mean corrosion is present. If you believe your car is experiencing either of the following conditions, take it to your dealership for an evaluation.

How To Take Advantage of Your GM Frame Rust Warranty

When you take your rusting or corroding car to a dealership for evaluation, its experts will provide a diagnosis and determine whether your warranty is applicable. You might have to pay a diagnosis fee, which will be reimbursed if the dealership determines that your warranty covers the repair. Then, the dealer will inform you of the expected timeline and order the appropriate parts. Note that you should always take your car to a reputable GM dealer to ensure that you can take advantage of your coverage. Additionally, a dealership will complete any recall work regarding frame rust at no charge.

Why Rust Is Bad

Rust on your car is never a good sign. Aside from being an eyesore, rusting metal compromises the structural integrity of your vehicle. Cracking parts can lead to safety issues, decreased resale value, and costly repairs. You can save yourself a lot of time, stress, and money by addressing a rusting frame sooner rather than later.

How Manufacturers Prevent Rust

While rust can sound scary, know that manufacturers aren’t leaving you out to dry. GM gives your vehicle a fighting chance against rust by using galvanized sheet metal and applying robust weather-resistant clear coats. You can also find models that use specialty coatings on lower body panels and other areas susceptible to chipping.

What Causes a Car to Rust?

Many factors can cause rust to show up on your car; one of the main factors is salt. In colder areas, the salt used on roads to melt snow is a big culprit. You might also notice rust if you live close to the ocean because of the air’s high salt content. Additional culprits include humidity, rain, and poor maintenance.

How to Protect Your Car From Rust

Just because your car has a rust warranty, it doesn’t mean you want to use it. You can be proactive against rust by parking your car in a garage whenever possible. When you have to go out and face the elements, be sure to wash your car regularly. You can also apply wax twice a year and touch up your car’s paint when it starts to chip.

We hope this guide on GM frame rust warranty helps you better understand how to protect your vehicle. Review the standard warranties for different makes, but call your dealership to know exactly what type of coverage you have. Additionally, follow our simple tips for protecting your car against rust in the first place.