Krown or Corrosion Free on a brand new Mazda 3

[Three]

Hey guys, need an advice as I have spent way too much time on this problem already. I am the most anal person when it comes to personal big ticket purchases and itheir maintenance, so I need a thorough reply based on some sort of a genuine experience. Trust me, I sued search function to its extend.

After googling and reading and watching and asking, I have narrowed down two shops to get my new car to for rust proofing: Krown and Corrosion Free (Robinson Automotive). And, at this particular point, I am leaning towards Corrosion Free and this is why:

1) No holes drilled (in most cases). Big thing as I am not looking forward to holes being drilled in my brand new car.
2) Warranty covers surface rust. Which is a big factor because that's the type of rust M3 gets most often.
3) Doesn't drip
4) needs to be reapplied every 18 month instead of Krown's 12 months.
5) Canadian military uses it (doesn't really matter, but thought it was a nice statistic).

It is a bit more expensive than Krown, but the fact that it has a longer time-frame between applications makes it the same price in a long run.

On paper, the advantages of Corrosion Free far outweigh those of Krowns. Thus my question is, why do most people still go to Krown? Poor marketing on CF part or am I missing something?

Will be keeping the car for 5 years, want to see no rust originating. 2015 3 hatch.

Thanks

[ottoyu34]

Personally, I have friends with more car ownership experience and seeing the underside of theirs car speaks for itself.

This is kinda like Michelin vs Bridgestone tires. It comes down to personal preference. Krown is oil-based and the product is sprayed from the inside, allowing it to penetrate seams and around small areas where water can be trapped (one of the ingredients of rust). Usually I like to see my car drip Krown oil, that means the product is doing its job. You simply won't get that kind of coverage without drilling holes.

Surface rust? Go look under a car that never had rust proof that went thru a year or two winter. It's not a nice scene. Suspension parts, exhaust, cross members are often found with rust first. Wash your car properly during winter is key.

Go to Richmond Hill Krown, it's my go to location. The staff and owner are very knowledgeable and they won't have any issues answering all your concerns.

[aris]

Krown hands down

sparyed my car from year from brand new and car looks like new underneath... My wheel wells did rust and so did my third brake light.... Krown fixed it hassle free... I couldn't believe how well they took care of my issues.

IMO they have best waranty

[staax]

The holes they drill are plugged with rubber grommets (which are greased prior to installation) and the only place you ever see them if you're not looking for them are in your door sills, and even then they look factory (at least to me).

It you have a dark grey, navy or black car you'll hardly see them at all.

I went with Krown but honestly don't have anything against Corrosion Free, but the fact that Krown gets those seams where water is trapped and rust forms is the reason I chose them.

[Three]

Hm,

Let's say holes aren't the problem, but what about dripping and no warranty covering surface rust? I mean, isn't the surface rust the biggest reason of why people rust proof their cars? Let's say three years from now I see a rust spot on the door hinge (just an example), I get it to Krown, they won't do anything about it as there is no hole. I take it to CF and they'll fix it. Isn't that a huge deciding factor in favor of CF?

[staax]

Well IMO a door hinge is a bad example... But whichever route you go the rustproofing isn't applied over the paint... All surface rust is formed either from a stone chip (which isn't covered) or from the gap between the sheet metal and plastic lining (think of a wheel arch).

Keeping that wheel arch clean or full of rust proofing will ensure (not 100% effective) you don't get that water trapped in between those two pieces.

I'd be really surprised if CF fixes rust that started in an area where they didn't apply rustproofing.

Rust always starts beneath the paint unless caused by a stone chip, or on non-painted surfaces.

Edit: dripping only happens for about a week. Park on the road, place a tarp underneath, or wash your driveway afterward and you're fine.

[Flagrum_3]

Hm,

Let's say holes aren't the problem, but what about dripping and no warranty covering surface rust? I mean, isn't the surface rust the biggest reason of why people rust proof their cars? Let's say three years from now I see a rust spot on the door hinge (just an example), I get it to Krown, they won't do anything about it as there is no hole. I take it to CF and they'll fix it. Isn't that a huge deciding factor in favor of CF?

Thing is if you spray using Krown every year, you will not see rust on hinges or inside doors or underneath the car for years! I'm now at 10.5 years and absolutely no rust anywhere. Surface rust, as mentioned, on external panels is NOT covered by anyone as that is usually caused from stone chips, scratches etc., which is your responsibility to maintain.

_3

[Shizuka_Osamu]

i know krown lakeshore is no longer a tm3 sponsor but talk to p-o-g-i as he use to work there part time
he can let you know the procedure of what they do step by step

[Three]

Thanks everyone. I can see that Krown is being favored here, and I understand why, but due to my personal preferences and vast amount of positive feedback about CF, I decided to go with them.

[Sebi]

Thanks everyone. I can see that Krown is being favored here, and I understand why, but due to my personal preferences and vast amount of positive feedback about CF, I decided to go with them.

Did you go to Robinson? I read really good reviews about them and I'm planning to go there soon... I'm also not in favour of Krown, because of the dripping.

[steb6s]

If someone knows of a good place to have the Corrosion Free treatment applied, I would appreciate it if you could let us know here? So far from what I've read on the forums, Canadian Tire is to be avoided at all costs but then are private garages any better? I just don't know where to go to get this done and know that it's being done properly.

[mazda72]

If someone knows of a good place to have the Corrosion Free treatment applied, I would appreciate it if you could let us know here? So far from what I've read on the forums, Canadian Tire is to be avoided at all costs but then are private garages any better? I just don't know where to go to get this done and know that it's being done properly.

Theres a shop that does a great job with Corrosion 3000, the place is called Superior Protection Products, its a small family owned place located at 1092 South Service Rd West in Oakville. i did my mazda 3 when i had it and now i do my cx-5 there.
Its about $60-70 to the the whole undercarriage,no drilling and doesnt drip like krown/rustcheck. It still flows down and drips just a bit.

i feel very uncomfortable having holes drilled in my new car, maybe one day when the car is at least 5 years old i wont care as much, besides, corrosion 3000 has the best formula according to the canadian military that tested all the different ones

[steb6s]

Oakville is a bit further than I wanted to travel but I may still go to that shop. Winter's coming soon. Thanks. Wherever I end up going I will follow up here. My brother is going to use Canadian Tire. We'll see how that goes too.

[Cyclic]

Theres a shop that does a great job with Corrosion 3000, the place is called Superior Protection Products, its a small family owned place located at 1092 South Service Rd West in Oakville. i did my mazda 3 when i had it and now i do my cx-5 there.
Its about $60-70 to the the whole undercarriage,no drilling and doesnt drip like krown/rustcheck. It still flows down and drips just a bit.

i feel very uncomfortable having holes drilled in my new car, maybe one day when the car is at least 5 years old i wont care as much, besides, corrosion 3000 has the best formula according to the canadian military that tested all the different ones


Oakville is a bit further than I wanted to travel but I may still go to that shop. Winter's coming soon. Thanks. Wherever I end up going I will follow up here. My brother is going to use Canadian Tire. We'll see how that goes too.

I went to Superior for corrosion free for my '15 last October. I would recommend it. I am also the type to do a crap ton a research before investing my time and money into anything big and I find that the big problem with corrosion free is that there isn't much information and reviews as there are for Krown. You'll find useful tidbits here and there but not many postings of similar opinions. Like many have commented, Krown is good because it seeps through the seams and provide great coverage and protection. When I was looking, it was hard to find similar claims for corrosion free as it doesn't drip so naturally people would assume it doesn't get into the seams like Krown does. But I was able to find some information online with people doing practical tests such as putting two flat metal plates in a vice grip, spraying corrosion free onto it and leaving it for 1-2 days to prove that it does seep into the seams. That kind of relevant "proof" was hard to find. I can't even tell you where I found it or if I can find it again to be honest, it's that few and far in between. After reading that many say Krown leaves your underside looking like a messy gunk, I opted to go with CF.

[Flagrum_3]

I went to Superior for corrosion free for my '15 last October. I would recommend it. I am also the type to do a crap ton a research before investing my time and money into anything big and I find that the big problem with corrosion free is that there isn't much information and reviews as there are for Krown. You'll find useful tidbits here and there but not many postings of similar opinions. Like many have commented, Krown is good because it seeps through the seams and provide great coverage and protection. When I was looking, it was hard to find similar claims for corrosion free as it doesn't drip so naturally people would assume it doesn't get into the seams like Krown does. But I was able to find some information online with people doing practical tests such as putting two flat metal plates in a vice grip, spraying corrosion free onto it and leaving it for 1-2 days to prove that it does seep into the seams. That kind of relevant "proof" was hard to find. I can't even tell you where I found it or if I can find it again to be honest, it's that few and far in between. After reading that many say Krown leaves your underside looking like a messy gunk, I opted to go with CF.

Mechanics love the underneath of my car, they've told me so lol!! Basically as nothing is rusted or seized.
Krown has been around a long time and there are thousands of testimonies to 'prove' how well it works. Over ten years daily driven and still no rust here.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. :)

Sure holes have to be drilled,but there's simply no other way to get to certain internal areas of the car and drilling definitely does not weaken the structure of the vehicle nor does the drilling cause rust.

Krown uses an oil based formula and it is pretty well common knowledge, oil protects metal...nuff said.

_3

[Three]

Did you go to Robinson? I read really good reviews about them and I'm planning to go there soon... I'm also not in favour of Krown, because of the dripping.


If someone knows of a good place to have the Corrosion Free treatment applied, I would appreciate it if you could let us know here? So far from what I've read on the forums, Canadian Tire is to be avoided at all costs but then are private garages any better? I just don't know where to go to get this done and know that it's being done properly.

Hey there, sorry for late reply. Yes, I went to Robinson in Mississauga. Great experience. They don't let you watch the process, but they will allow you to see the application after its done. They are one of the few certified vendors for Corrosion Free and the shop itself is clean and professional.

The formula should be reapplied every 12-18 months for warranty to stay intact. Unfortunately, its hard to say if Corrosion Free is effective as it requires time. Its also a bit pricier than Chrome, but since it doesn't have to be reapplied as often, the cost is the same in the long run. it also doesn't drip and no holes are drilled, they used the holes available in the car. Depending on a model, they might want to ask you to drill holes. However, Mazda 3 does not require additional holes.

[Cyclic]

Mechanics love the underneath of my car, they've told me so lol!! Basically as nothing is rusted or seized.
Krown has been around a long time and there are thousands of testimonies to 'prove' how well it works. Over ten years daily driven and still no rust here.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. :)

Sure holes have to be drilled,but there's simply no other way to get to certain internal areas of the car and drilling definitely does not weaken the structure of the vehicle nor does the drilling cause rust.

Krown uses an oil based formula and it is pretty well common knowledge, oil protects metal...nuff said.

_3

Yeah I'm sure Krown is great. If it wasn't for the mess it leaves, I would probably go with Krown too. One thing I forgot to mention is that there are different 'packages of protection' for Corrosion Free that people can choose. The 'complete' option will drill holes by default but you can opt not to have them do it. They claim some of cars have holes drilled from factory by design already and they can just use that to get into all the nooks and crannies but only time will tell I guess.

[sarujo]

Mechanics love the underneath of my car, they've told me so lol!! Basically as nothing is rusted or seized.
Krown has been around a long time and there are thousands of testimonies to 'prove' how well it works. Over ten years daily driven and still no rust here.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. :)

Sure holes have to be drilled,but there's simply no other way to get to certain internal areas of the car and drilling definitely does not weaken the structure of the vehicle nor does the drilling cause rust.

Krown uses an oil based formula and it is pretty well common knowledge, oil protects metal...nuff said.

_3

After 5.5 years and 115,000 km's later the bottom of my gen2 is spotless as well. And yes, Pat at Altech loves doing alignments on my car as nothing is ceased and so easy to work on. Am with Flagrum_3 here.

I'm not sure what the fear is about the drilling or my god, the "mess" it leaves (the few days of dripping..so what). The fact remains is that Krown has been around for a very long time and has proven itself. If Corrosion Free was so good, why is it available in so few places?

[Charlie S]

Last time I purchased a new Mazda 3 GT, they tried to sell me the usual package: Perma Shine, Scotch Guard and extra rust proofing. They promised me no holes will be drilled anywhere on the car. but they said yearly inspection would be required. When I asked the guy how are they going to spray and later on, inspect inside the doors and panels, the idiot was lost for words. There is nothing wrong with Krown drilling holes. I rustproofed seven cars with Krown. No regrets.

[steb6s]

Robinson is booked until December for a rustproofing appointment =/ I put my name on a call list but I think I'll try that place in Oakville in the meantime. Pretty sure roads will see salt by December.

[SteveNS]

Anyone ever have it done by the Krown near Alliston? Judging by Google maps it kinda looks like some guy just does it from his farm.

[aris]

Anyone ever have it done by the Krown near Alliston? Judging by Google maps it kinda looks like some guy just does it from his farm.


So what.... All the Krown guys gets trained where to spray

[Flagrum_3]

Anyone ever have it done by the Krown near Alliston? Judging by Google maps it kinda looks like some guy just does it from his farm.

You could always email Krown and find out if he's legit or not, and if he is, then he would be trained by Krown in the proper application methods. If he's not, I'm sure there's a location in T.O. not too far from you...Its worth the drive.

[Sebi]

I recently went with Corrosion Free, have a question..

The stuff that was sprayed in the doors started to drip, and the bottom portion of the doors are covered with it. It accumulates dirt, and it looks like it's an "oil" leak. What is the best way to clean this without damaging the paint?

Thanks!

[aris]

I recently went with Corrosion Free, have a question..

The stuff that was sprayed in the doors started to drip, and the bottom portion of the doors are covered with it. It accumulates dirt, and it looks like it's an "oil" leak. What is the best way to clean this without damaging the paint?

Thanks!


Carwash soap and a washmitt lol

[Flagrum_3]

Carwash soap and a washmitt lol

I would suggest an old wash mitt or buy those packages of two or three cheap ones, as the mitt you use will be garbage afterward, for the initial washes anyways. (You won't be able to wash out the oil completely from the mitt is why). A good car soap like Mother's or Maguire's would be good, but Krown sells a carwash soap specifically for this purpose also and cleans really nice. : )


_3

[jl_1978]

Maybe a dumb question, but a friend that bought a Mercedes said the dealer sold him an electronic rust protection module... Most google hits say the technology is a scam, but I'm assuming if the dealer sold it, they'd back it up with some kind of guarantee... Anyone have personal experience??

[mEtH]

Yeah the electronic will not prevent rust. I took the bullet when I bought my 3 because I wouldn't know until I tried it. I would say it slowed down the rust but it will not prevent rust. The dealer wont do anything because its sold by a third party. If you read the fine print nothing will be done until the rust has created a hole through the body. That fine print is very common with a lot of rust proofing. The only way that electronic rust module works is if you keep your car submerged under water. Apparently it is commonly used on bridges etc.

I wont sit back and let the rust take over just do hope they will warrant the work down the road so I have been grinding down and repainting each year. Luckily its mostly wheel well and not on the actual outer side of the vehicle.

[jl_1978]

Yeah the electronic will not prevent rust. I took the bullet when I bought my 3 because I wouldn't know until I tried it. I would say it slowed down the rust but it will not prevent rust. The dealer wont do anything because its sold by a third party. If you read the fine print nothing will be done until the rust has created a hole through the body. That fine print is very common with a lot of rust proofing. The only way that electronic rust module works is if you keep your car submerged under water. Apparently it is commonly used on bridges etc.

I wont sit back and let the rust take over just do hope they will warrant the work down the road so I have been grinding down and repainting each year. Luckily its mostly wheel well and not on the actual outer side of the vehicle.

Thanks. How did you judge that the device slowed down the rust? I guess most people prefer Krown, but I'm not a fan of the holes drilled everywhere.

[mEtH]

Its just a personal observation with the cars I see around me and at the dealers when I go in, of course comparing my 2008 to other 2008-2009. I know there are many variables of maintenance, wax etc. but considering I never rust proofed for 7 years and only have minor rust on my driver side wheel well makes me think it had to of helped. Of course the underside has rust as well but it looks way better than I thought it would for not having a spray on rust proofing done.

Based on the cost of the electronic modules I definitely would not go that route again and just put that money to yearly treatments from new.

[jl_1978]

Its just a personal observation with the cars I see around me and at the dealers when I go in, of course comparing my 2008 to other 2008-2009. I know there are many variables of maintenance, wax etc. but considering I never rust proofed for 7 years and only have minor rust on my driver side wheel well makes me think it had to of helped. Of course the underside has rust as well but it looks way better than I thought it would for not having a spray on rust proofing done.

Based on the cost of the electronic modules I definitely would not go that route again and just put that money to yearly treatments from new.

Yeah, I guess the idea of a module you can just install and never have to worry about rust again is way too good to be true. Thanks again for the feedback!

[RustyMZ3]

I knew the owner of Corrosion Free and he told me that the there was two advantages to their formula:

ONE, it is A LOT safer for the employee to apply. The original formula, was very hazardous and the applicator was required to wear a oxygen mask, (and many applicators did not use them) if not, continued exposure would result in lung/breathing problems in the future. Not sure if Krown formula is the same (Krown came out of Rust Check) but if its oil based then I would assume the same precautions are required.

TWO, its a more advanced product. He was once partner with the owners of Rust Check (back in the day) and the CF formula was supposed to replace that oil-based formula but when they all went their separate ways he ended up owning the patent for the new formula and started Corrosion Free.

Its really up to you if you do/don't like dripping oil or holes drilled into the body of your car. I don't think its a big deal but if you want the biggest bang for your buck, CF is rated the best by Canadian military, as noted before. As long as you follow the warranty fine print you should be ok.

[nahoY]

Hey Guys,

I am new on this forum and just want to introduce myself. I am Yohan Udwadia and I am the owner of Automotive Basics in Mississauga, ON near Square One. Probably never heard this name as it's a new location, new shop, started last year and I do Rustproofing and Detailing. I am an authorized dealer of Corrosion Free using Formula 3000 with CSC850.

Little info. about me: I have been an auto enthusiast for the longest time and I have been working in the automotive industry since the very beginning (starting 2009). I have worked as a mechanic, rustproofer, tire tech, didn't have too much experience with detailing so went to school for that and got myself certified as well (certificate pending). I try to keep things as simple as possible and I work on 1 car at time(appointment basis) 1on1. I could go on all day about the things I do and the way I do it etc., but all I would say is come by and check me out. I will be posting pictures of some of the work I have done soon.

Yohan Udwadia
Automotive Basics,
700 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.,
Unit 5 (backside),
Mississauga, ON.
L5C2R9

[Three]

The only thing I didn't like about Robinson's Automotive Corrosion Free is that the guy behind the counter told me that the warranty certificate will be sent to me by mail by Corrosion Free. I did my rust proofing in October of 2015, its March of 2016 and I still didn't get anything. I wonder what is going to happen if I'll have some corrosion problems. Robinson's Automotive told me that if I reapply the formula every 18 months, I will not have any issues, but still, I would like to have some paperwork. All I was given is the receipt from RA.

[eShine.ca]

Krown works plain and simple. Many are afraid of the holes but they can do a whole car now with as little as one hole in each door. eShine is also a Krown center. Personally been using Krown for 15 years and became a Krown dealer only 3 years ago. Chose Krown based on my personal experience. Besides Krown T40 oil being a great product Krown is very good at training its dealers, supplying proper technical details on all cars we spray and proper equipment. There is a reason Krown is Canada's largest Rust Control product, if it didn't work they would be out of business.

[eShine.ca]

Thanks. How did you judge that the device slowed down the rust? I guess most people prefer Krown, but I'm not a fan of the holes drilled everywhere.

Krown doesn't drill holes for their own entertainment. It has to be done to access areas that are prone to rust. Most cars now only get drilled 2-3 holes per side depending how many doors the car has.

[nahoY]

I understand your point, but as long as Robinson Automotive put all your information in to the corrosion free data base, you don't need to worry about anything. If you have any issues go to RA or a Corrosion Free dealer and they will help you out, or you can even call the Corrosion Free head office and they will be more than happy to help you.

[nahoY]

Honestly, Krown or Corrosion Free, it's just personal preference. Both products are good and both strive to be the best in the market. Also it's not like only Krown drills holes, Corrosion Free does as well, just that every dealer is different in how they do it. Spots the holes get drilled are pretty standard across all brands, I personally don't like drilling holes when I can find access to a part(doors/fenders/trunk) of the vehicle through holes from the manufacturer, thanks to my experience in the field and training from Corrosion Free, but some cars you have no option but to drill, which I do upon customer consent. At the end of it, all that matters is the applicator. If the product is on there it's working, but if it's not then it's not, which is one of the reasons why I like to keep my operations small and work on my customer cars on my own. Corrosion Free had customers and were building newer customers long before people started realizing they existed and that is only because they don't do allot of marketing as they wanted their product to speak for themselves. Every company has a different approach. Just my opinion.

[nigvlb_]

Heard great things about Krown, but as stated before, it is preference in the end.