Electronic Rust Inhibitors: works? - or snake oil?

[JPSmit]

Electronic Rust Inhibitors

Opinions please... (they wanted to sell me one at the dealer which makes me think snake oil, but, a very impressive warranty)

https://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/...T<>prd_id=845524443292139&bmUID=1363809286505

 

[Gliderman8]

If it were me, I'd RUN! To me these devices are snake oil. Iron + Water + Oxygen = RUST.... Don't see how it could work without a sacrificial anode and since it sits on rubber tires it's insulated.
Have a look at some of these reviews for the product:
https://reviews.canadiantire.ca/904...ic-rust-protection-system-reviews/reviews.htm

 

[TR3driver]

Where are you seeing a "great" warranty? All I see is that they will guarantee their product won't rust, but not what they will do if it does (give you a pro-rated credit towards the purchase of another one?)

 

[JPSmit]

Where are you seeing a "great" warranty? All I see is that they will guarantee their product won't rust, but not what they will do if it does (give you a pro-rated credit towards the purchase of another one?)

the dealer was trying to sell it (along with lots of other things) was promising a 10 year warranty - which for Ontario is pretty good. (I still said no)

 

[TR3driver]

I think you're missing my point. Warranties that aren't in writing aren't worth the paper they are written on. And without knowing the specific terms of the warranty, it may be totally worthless.

For example, lets say you install the thing and instead of preventing rust, it promotes it. Take the unit back; they may claim you installed it wrong. Or they may just give you your money back ... what about the damage to your car? "So sorry, not covered. You should have read the fine print."

 

[NutmegCT]

Here's the actual Canadian Tire item description, and their warranty:

- Used by industry professionals in some of the harshest industrial conditions for 20 years (salt harvesting, mining, aviation, snow removal)
- Prevents the onset of rust and inhibits the spread on vehicles that already have rust
- One-time installation includes annual checkups
- Protects the painted panels on the vehicle

Canadian Tire Warranty:
5-year product warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, and a limited 5-year rust warranty (if installed at a Canadian Tire store on a vehicle that is less than 5 years old and shows no signs of rust), when accompanied by proof of purchase.

* * * *
Looks like the warranty only covers two things: the "box" itself, and a "limited" warranty against rust on a newer vehicle with no signs of rust. Would be interesting to learn what Canadian Tire's definition of "limited" is.

Here's the item's website: https://www.counteractrust.com/

I'd pass.

 

[tvr4me]

J.P.

When we moved from southern California to Toronto in 2006 I put these on a 2002 Silverado, and a 2002 Explorer. Both vehicles spent three winters there and I rarely washed them. The one on the Silverado quit working after one year, the Explorer one is still working today, there is a light that flashes on it. The Silverado has lots of chassis surface rust, and the Explorer does not have ANY rust at all. I am not sure if that means that these work but I am amazed how good that Explorer looks. They had a two for one deal when I bought mine.

Cheers, Ian

 

[Boink]

I understand that snake oil is pretty good on rust. Now... where did I put that bottle?

 

[PAUL161]

As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! As P.T. Barnum said,"There's a sucker born every minute"! PJ