Zinc Coated Panels, Description

Approximately 65% of the 'body in white' (BIW) mass is made up of zinc coated panels.

All exterior skin panels, with the exception of the roof, are double side zinc plated and this coating (nominally 7,5 microns) provides corrosion protection in two ways.

1. Should the outer layer of paint become chipped but the zinc coating will remain intact, the zinc will oxidize on contact with air. This coat of oxidation is impermeable and will prevent corrosion damage to the base metal.

2. If both the outer layer of paint and the zinc coating become damaged, the zinc will react with the air and 'sacrifice' itself to corrosion, rather than the base metal. In this process the zinc is known as a 'sacrificial anode'.

NOTE: To maintain the protective qualities of the zinc treatment, repairs to any damaged coated area MUST be made as soon as possible after the damage has occurred.