does anybody know how long it would take a small chip on a car to rust if mainly left outside?

Answer 1

depends on where you live, is it humid?, and if you live in the northwest(US) you car is in a major pollution area and it will rust faster. but that aside, i have no idea how fast or how long it takes.

Answer 2

If you are in the UK and at this time of year - salt on roads etc, it won't take long! A few days to start going!

Best thing to do is (as a short term repair) buy a can of car spray clear laquer. Spray a small amount into the lid and then use a small brush to dab clear coat into the chip. Not a full repair but it should hold out until the hotter weather arrives and it can be done properly

Answer 3

Go to a car supplies place, you can get a special colourless paint that you can put on the chip to protect it and it won't rust.
We had one on our car and it didn't rust over a period of about 3 years, until we could be bothered to get it sorted!

Answer 4

Assuming the chip is on a steel panel
if it is down to bare metal, just a matter of minutes depending on weather, humidity etc
then it will start to creep under the paint

Answer 5

paint some clear nail varnish over it, leave it dry then put another coat on it. it will seal it up against any mositure getting in and should stop it rusting. at this time of year it wont take long to start to corrode sort it out now will be much easier (and cheaper ) to repair.

Answer 6

It will start to rust as soon as it gets damp or wet but may take years to corrode right through.

Treat is as soon as possible - at least cover any bare metal

Answer 7

best thing to do is put something protective over it, either get it sorted properly or stick some vaseline or nail varnish on it. this will stop air and water getting to the bare metal and making it worse.