How to Prevent Rust on a Bike

Bikes are popular for many reasons. They provide aerobic exercise and they are environmentally friendly. A bike can be an expensive investment, so you'll want to keep your bike in top condition. One way to do that is to keep rust at bay. Rust prevention is an ongoing process.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Steel wool pad
  • Rust-inhibiting primer
  • Rust-inhibiting paint
  • Paint brushes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dry off the bike after each use. Use paper towels dry all areas of the bike. This is an important step because moisture and metal combine to create rust.

    • 2

      Examine bike for any scratches or dents on the metal. Look for small rust or corrosion also.

    • 3

      Scrub off any rust with a steel wool pad. Removing rust prevents it from spreading and forming rust holes and other severe rust problems.

    • 4

      Apply a rust-inhibiting, metal-appropriate primer to the metal parts of the bike with a paint brush. Let the primer dry.

    • 5

      Touch up the bike with rust-inhibiting paint using a small paint brush. Use paint as close to the bike’s color as possible.