What's included in the Basic Undercoating service?

Basic Undercoating covers your vehicle's exposed undercarriage, providing a protective barrier against everyday exposure to salt, water, and grime. Cavities (small factory openings) located in the underbody, rocker panels, doors, hood, and tailgate/hatch are also sprayed.

What is Wheel Liner Removal, and how is it different from Basic Undercoating?

Wheel Liner Removal includes everything in Basic Undercoating, plus removal of the wheel liners so we can coat the hidden areas underneath. Wheel liners trap road salt and moisture against bare metal instead of letting it wash away, which is why rust often starts behind the liner before it's ever visible. Removing the liner lets us protect that hidden area directly. This is an additional for our basic undercoating service.

What parts of my vehicle are coated?

Our comprehensive service covers the entire vulnerable undercarriage. This includes:

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• The entire frame

• Floor pans

• Inner body panels, rocker panels, and inside door cavities (where applicable).

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Note: We carefully avoid applying the coating to heat-generating components like the exhaust system

Can you undercoat a vehicle that already has rust?

Yes! Our lanolin-based undercoating is ideal for vehicles with existing surface rust. Unlike hard coatings that can trap rust and accelerate corrosion underneath, our penetrating formula seeps through the rust to the base metal, displacing moisture and cutting off the oxygen needed for the rust process to continue. It effectively stops rust in its tracks.

Will there be a smell or a mess after the application?

Our product has a very low odor that typically dissipates quickly, often within a day or two. There may be some minor dripping immediately after the application, which is normal for a lanolin product. This is usually very minor and will stop once the excess has settled. We take measures to minimize overspray during the service.

When is the best time to get my vehicle undercoated?

The best time is before winter starts, as this is when road salt application begins. However, undercoating can be done any time of year. Since products like Woolwax are designed to displace moisture, they can be applied over existing, light surface rust to halt its spread.

How often does the undercoating need to be reapplied?

For maximum protection, especially in areas with heavy road salt usage like Chicagoland, it is generally recommended to get an annual reapplication of lanolin-based products before each winter season.

Can I wash my car after the service?

Yes, but you should avoid high-pressure undercarriage washes regularly, as these can rinse off the protective coating. Exterior only car washes are fine.

Will undercoating void my vehicle's factory warranty?

No, applying a non-solvent, lanolin-based undercoating will not void your vehicle's factory warranty. Our products are designed to work in conjunction with manufacturer specifications to protect, not damage, your vehicle.

Where are you located and which areas do you service?

Great Lakes Undercoating is a Chicagoland undercoater specializing in the application of Woolwax in Chicago, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Summit, Oak Park, Chicago Ridge, Burbank, LaGrange and surrounding suburbs. We also welcome out of state customers who are in the Chicagoland area!