BYD Atto 3 Rust Issue What's Happening and What You Need to Know

*Photo source: AutoExpert

BYD Atto 3 Rust Issue: What's Happening and What You Need to Know

The BYD Atto 3 is a popular electric vehicle (EV) known for its affordability and impressive range. However, there have been reports of rust issues in some of these cars, which has raised concerns among car owners and potential buyers. In this article, we will discuss the latest developments regarding the BYD Atto 3 rust issue and provide you with important information that you need to know.

What is the BYD Atto 3 Rust Issue?

The BYD Atto 3 rust issue is a problem that has been reported by some car owners who have noticed rust developing on their car's undercarriage, particularly in areas where water and dirt tend to accumulate. The rust issue seems to be more prevalent in areas with high humidity or exposure to salt, such as coastal regions.

Rust Mitigating 

The initial method of preventing rust was electroplating, which resulted in a gold-like appearance on bolts. This process was costly and required high electricity consumption. In the mid-90s, the more popular galvanization method was 'hot-dipped', which involves coating steel with zinc. Since then, most cars have been hot galvanized, reducing the issue of rust.

The hot-dipped method prevents rust by enveloping the steel in zinc, cutting off its access to oxygen, required for rust formation. Zinc is initially shiny but transforms into a dull grey hue due to zinc oxide formation, which further limits exposure to atmospheric oxygen and hinders rusting.

The third galvanization protection mechanism is called 'cathodic' protection. Zinc is a more electrochemically active metal, so it sacrifices itself to defend the steel. Adequate amounts of zinc are necessary to achieve the desired protection. Specifically, for every square meter of sheet metal, 70 grams of zinc per side are required.

Cathodic protection enables the steel to resist rust even when scratched, drilled, or exposed to other forms of localized damage, as the zinc layer provides electrochemical protection. In conclusion, galvanization is a reliable method to protect steel from rust, and cathodic protection offers additional localised damage resistance.

BYD has acknowledged the rust issue and has taken steps to address it, including improving the car's rust prevention measures and offering free rust repairs to affected customers.

What are the Latest Developments?

If you own a BYD Atto 3 or are considering buying one, here are some important things you need to know about the rust issue:

• The rust issue is not widespread, and most Atto 3 cars are not affected.
• The issue seems to be more prevalent in areas with high humidity or exposure to salt.
• Existing owners can have their parts replaced free of charge if they are experiencing rust issues.
• If you are considering buying an Atto 3, make sure to check the car's undercarriage for signs of rust before making your purchase.
• Regular maintenance and cleaning of your Atto 3's undercarriage can help prevent rust from developing.

Final Thoughts

The BYD Atto 3 rust issue is a concern for car owners and potential buyers, but it's important to note that the issue is not widespread and has been addressed by BYD. If you are experiencing rust issues with your Atto 3, make sure to contact BYD to have your parts replaced free of charge. If you are considering buying an Atto 3, make sure to do your due diligence and check the car's undercarriage for signs of rust before making your purchase. With proper maintenance and care, the BYD Atto 3 can be a reliable and affordable electric vehicle option.