Are subarus galvanised?
Corrosion protection is a key consideration for car buyers, especially in regions with salted roads or salty coastal air. Automakers increasingly rely on galvanized steel and other protective coatings to extend a vehicle’s life. This report explains whether Subarus are galvanised, and what that means for owners and buyers.
Yes. Subaru uses galvanized steel for many body panels and components; modern models generally employ zinc-coated steel to resist corrosion, though the exact materials and coverage vary by model year and market.
What galvanised means for Subaru vehicles
Galvanised steel is steel that has been coated with zinc to prevent rust. In the auto industry, coatings can be applied through hot-dip galvanizing or electro-galvanizing, and they are often used on exterior panels, undercarriage parts, and critical load-bearing components to deter rust, especially where paint or undercoating might be damaged.
- Body panels: Many Subaru body panels are produced from galvanized or zinc-coated steel to slow rust progression in vulnerable areas such as door bottoms and wheel arches.
- Underbody protection: Subarus commonly employ protective coatings and undercoats in regions exposed to salted roads and road debris, further reducing corrosion risk.
- Variation by model/year/market: The degree of galvanization can differ depending on model generation, regional manufacturing standards, and climate-specific requirements.
- Warranty considerations: Subarus generally offer anti-corrosion warranties that cover rust perforation for a defined period, though terms vary by country and model.
In practice, most modern Subaru models in major markets incorporate galvanized steel as part of a broader corrosion-protection strategy, but the exact composition is not uniform across every model or region.
Subaru corrosion protection strategy
Beyond galvanization, Subaru’s approach combines multiple layers of protection to combat rust. This includes coatings, rust inhibitors, and regular underbody maintenance recommendations for owners living in harsh climates. The goal is to minimize rust formation in vulnerable areas while maintaining cosmetic appearance and structural integrity over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Model-year and market variations
Subaru’s global production means that material choices can vary by model year and market. Vehicles built for Japan, the United States, Europe, and other regions may use different combinations of galvanized steel, coated panels, and protective undercoatings to meet local regulations and climate conditions. For a specific model and year, it’s best to consult the official spec sheet or a local dealer.
What buyers can do
To gauge corrosion protection before buying, or to extend a Subaru’s life in corrosive environments, consider the following steps.
- Ask for the exact body-shell material specification for the model year you’re interested in, including whether exterior panels and the unibody are galvanized.
- Inspect areas prone to rust—wheel wells, sills, door bottoms, and the undercarriage—for signs of coating wear, chips, or visible rust.
- Review the corrosion warranty terms in your country, noting what is covered and for how long (rust perforation vs. surface rust).
- Maintain underbody protection and reapply undercoating as recommended in the owner’s manual, especially if you live in areas with heavy road salt or moisture.
In short, understanding the exact galvanization status of a given Subaru model/year helps set expectations for long-term durability and informs maintenance decisions.
Summary: Subarus generally incorporate galvanized steel as part of their corrosion-protection strategy, with the extent of galvanization and related coatings varying by model year and market. For buyers, verifying the specific material composition and corrosion warranty for a chosen model ensures a clearer view of rust resistance in the long term.
