Rust protection for new cars
A new car is the easiest to protect: the underbody is clean, there's no rust to stabilise, and the protection goes straight onto sound metal. At Arctic Works, the DINITROL treatment for a car under 3 years old costs from 550 EUR without VAT for a small vehicle up to 920 EUR without VAT for a large van. The job includes removing the undertrays, washing, protecting the whole underbody and waxing the cavities.
Why it's worth doing on a new car
On a used car, most of the work is cleaning: salt, mud and old protection, all removed down to clean metal. A new car has none of that. That's why the price is lower, and the coating bonds to a surface that hasn't had time to rust.
If you wait a few years, the same job becomes a used-car job, with extra cleaning and rust treatment. The difference in base price is between 100 and 190 EUR without VAT, depending on size, before any rust surcharge.
What's included
- Removing components (underbody shields, plastic undertrays, wheels) for access to the whole underbody.
- Steam washing and professional cleaning.
- Anti-rust treatment on areas where it's needed.
- DINITROL 4942 on the whole underbody.
- DINITROL 4010 in the cavities: chassis rails, sills, crossmembers.
- Refitting and checking.
On a new car we don't do dry-ice blasting: it isn't needed, and the price doesn't include it.
Prices by category (cars under 3 years old)
| Category | Examples | Without VAT | With 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small vehicle | VW Polo, Dacia Sandero, Toyota Yaris | 550 EUR | 665.50 EUR |
| Compact / hatchback | VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, Dacia Logan | 575 EUR | 695.75 EUR |
| Small van | VW Caddy, Dacia Dokker, Renault Kangoo | 590 EUR | 713.90 EUR |
| Mid-size saloon / estate | VW Passat, Skoda Superb, BMW 3 Series | 600 EUR | 726 EUR |
| Large MPV | VW Sharan, Dacia Jogger, Peugeot 5008 | 650 EUR | 786.50 EUR |
| Compact SUV and small off-roader | Dacia Duster, Hyundai Tucson, VW Tiguan | 650 EUR | 786.50 EUR |
| Medium van (under 3.5 t) | VW Transporter, Ford Transit, Renault Trafic | 750 EUR | 907.50 EUR |
| Large SUV and large off-roader | Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok | 800 EUR | 968 EUR |
| Large van (over 3.5 t) | Mercedes Sprinter, Iveco Daily, VW Crafter | 920 EUR | 1,113.20 EUR |
The configurator shows the price in lei (RON), at the National Bank of Romania (BNR) exchange rate for the day you open it.
What can change the price
- Undertrays to remove: few or none, 0 EUR; a medium amount (Golf, Octavia, Passat), 50 EUR with VAT; many, with a full aerodynamic undertray (German premium brands, Volvo, electric cars, most new SUVs), 140 EUR with VAT.
- Rust found at the inspection: +10%, +20% or +30% of the price, depending on how widespread it is. On a car under 3 years old this is rare.
- Optional exhaust protection: 45-60 EUR with VAT, depending on the size of the car.
- Optional protection on the engine and gearbox: 35 EUR with VAT.
- Excessive dirt: a surcharge of 60 EUR with VAT.
When is the right time
Ideally before the first winter, while the underbody hasn't seen any salt. The prices on this page are the ones in the configurator, under the "New cars (under 3 years)" tab, and we confirm them at the inspection.
Warranty
2 years on labour, with check-ups at 3, 6 and 11 months after the treatment, included in the price. At the check-up we spot-treat anything that has come back. If you skip a check-up, the warranty is void. The warranty applies to every new-car configuration.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
My car is new. Does it really need rust protection?
It isn't mandatory. But it's the cheapest time to do it, because you don't pay for cleaning off years of grime or for treating rust.
How much does rust protection for a new car cost?
Between 550 and 920 EUR without VAT, depending on the car's category, plus undertray removal if needed. For a compact SUV such as a Dacia Duster or Hyundai Tucson, 650 EUR without VAT.
How long does the car stay with you?
The work takes 2-3 working days. Bookings are by the week: you bring the car in on Monday morning, and the slot is reserved until the following Monday. When you book, you pay a 500 lei deposit, at the workshop or by bank transfer, which is deducted from the price of the job.
What are "undertrays"?
The plastic shields and covers under the car. New cars have a lot of them, and removing and refitting them is labour charged separately from the size of the car.
Which products do you use?
Three DINITROL products: 4942 on the whole underbody, 4010 Corroheat in the cavities and Penetrant LT where rust appears.
What warranty do I get?
2 years on labour, with check-ups at 3, 6 and 11 months, included in the price. If you skip a check-up, the warranty is void.