If you’ve ever struggled to open a rusty lock or noticed bubbling paint around a van door, you’re not alone. Rust isn’t just ugly – it’s a silent threat to your van’s long-term security and value. In this article, we’ll explain what causes rust around locks, why it happens so often, and how proper anti-corrosion treatments for van locks can prevent serious damage.
What Causes Rust Around Van Locks?
Rust forms when bare metal is exposed to oxygen and moisture. The moment a hole is drilled in your van’s bodywork to fit a lock, the protective paint is broken – and the metal underneath becomes vulnerable.
If that exposed metal isn’t properly sealed or treated, rust starts to form. Over time, it spreads underneath the lock, into the locking mechanism, and even through the inside of the door.
Why Poor Van Lock Installations and Lack of Maintenance Lead to Rust
Sadly, a lot of van lock installations are rushed. Some fitters focus on speed rather than quality – get in, get out, get paid. That means no proper cleaning, no rust protection, and no sealant.
In many cases, customers also make decisions based on price alone. Unfortunately, saving £5 on a cheaper installation can turn into a disaster – poor materials and shortcuts lead to problems just a few weeks later.
In other cases, installers simply aren’t trained well. They may not realise how important it is to treat every cut edge.
Even when a lock is installed correctly, it still needs basic maintenance. Without it, condensation, road salt, and daily exposure to rain will take their toll. Regular spraying with a product that contains PTFE (a dry lubricant) helps prevent internal rust, but most van owners aren’t told to do this.
Common Problems Caused by Rusty Van Locks
Avoid all of this with proper anti-corrosion treatments for van locks.
- Stiff or jammed locks
- Visible rust streaks and bubbling paint
- Water leaking into the door
- Full lock failure and expensive repairs
And yes – if the lock seizes, you might not even be able to get into your van.
How Proper Anti-Corrosion Treatments for Van Locks Should Be Done
At Secured Van, we take rust prevention seriously. Every van lock we install comes with a full anti-corrosion treatment.
We use:
- Hammerite Underbody Seal or Hammerite Waxoyl to treat bare metal surfaces
- Stixall Adhesive & Sealant around the lock to create a watertight seal
Why These Products Matter in Anti-Corrosion Treatments for Van Locks
- Hammerite coatings protect against rust for years
- Stixall stays flexible in both extreme heat and freezing cold
- Unlike other sealants, it doesn’t crack over time
- It helps stop water from leaking into the van door
Our process:
- Smooth out the edges – we carefully remove any sharp metal left from the cut-outs
- Apply rust protection to all cut edges
- Seal the lock securely with Stixall
- Wipe clean and inspect everything before handover
Final Thoughts
If you’re investing in extra locks for your van, make sure the job’s done right – not rushed. Proper anti-corrosion treatments for van locks make all the difference between a lock that lasts and one that fails.
Have questions or want to see how we do it? Feel free to get in touch or check Facebook for recent installs.
Protect your van. Protect your locks. Do it once – do it properly.
