Do this to your VW once a year!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Clean out those fender compost bins! 

At CarParts4sale we've dismantled hundreds of Volkswagens with one thing in common: The fenders and lower front rocker panel are rusted away. 

This expensive rust damage can easily be avoided with little work, even by the most novice mechanic.  

It's pretty simple. The plastic fender liner allows a small amount of dirt and leaves to build up behind it. The cavern at the bottom of the fender leg is a perfect spot for debris to collect. Over a year or two, this "bin" can fill up and hold moisture, which leads to rust.  

Perform this maintenance about once a year, depending on your driving frequency and environment

To clean this spot out, turn your wheel to access this area. Unscrew the lower screws holding the bottom of the fender liner in place. Peel the liner back. You will likely find some very nice black compost. Scoop it out, hose it out, dry it out and spray some protection all over that area. 

I like to use one of these three products to prevent rust: PB Blaster Surface Shield, CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor or Fluid Film. You only need to apply one of the three. 

No VW is safe from this area. I've seen it on Golf and Jetta MK1 through MK7, all year Passats, Audis, and more. 

On newer models, there is foam sound-deadening in this area. That acts as a sponge for moisture and will also rust out your car.  Remove that foam. You will create a little more road noise, but save your car from rust.