An owner of a 2005 Honda Accord was taking their car in for an oil change, but things took a turn when a mechanic refused to lift it because of extensive rust underneath, leading to questions about the future of the car.
The owner shared pictures of the rust buildup on the car’s undercarriage on the r/AskMechanics subreddit. They explained that the vehicle had roughly 400,000 kilometers, or about 248,500 miles.
When the owner brought the vehicle in for an oil change, one of the mechanics told them there was too much rust to safely lift the Accord. The mechanic also told them the car was still safe to drive but wouldn’t perform the oil change.
The owner also said the vehicle runs perfectly despite the rust, leaving them wondering whether it was time to move on to another vehicle.
The Pictures
How bad is the rust? 2005 Honda Accord
by
u/hydewolf in
AskMechanics
The pictures in the Reddit post show just how bad the rust problem is. Substantial corrosion is visible around the areas where the lift would be placed for an oil change.
The owner explained that they went to a commercial mechanic and are now worried that the vehicle won’t be able to receive any future repairs. They are now asking whether they should move on from the vehicle.
Commenters Make Their Points Clear
Several commenters warned the owner that the rust could pose a serious safety risk, particularly if the structural components had deteriorated to the point that they could no longer support the vehicle.
One commenter put it bluntly, saying the car was dangerous to the owner and everyone else on the road. Many others agreed with that sentiment and echoed the same concern.
However, one commenter took an interesting approach and suggested that the car could still be driven. The commenter said they were from Michigan and had driven rusty vehicles until the corrosion became so severe that the engine effectively fell out.
The comment went on to suggest taking the car to a quick-lube shop for oil changes. At these shops, there is a pit, so the car doesn’t need to be lifted. The commenter then said that, if it were them, they would drive the vehicle until it exploded and only get oil changes. But it is highly suggested by others to not drive a vehicle with this kind of rust buildup.
How Rust Can Affect a Vehicle’s Safety
According to automotive website Autodana, road salt, moisture, and damaged protective coatings can accelerate rust on vehicles. This is particularly a problem in areas with harsh winters.
The website warns that rust affecting structural areas of a car can create serious safety concerns. Although regular washing and rust-proofing treatments can help prevent corrosion, extensive damage may require professional repairs.
As of this writing, there have been no further updates to the post, and it remains unclear whether the owner is still driving their rusty Honda Accord or getting a new one.