LookyLeasy
Rust, Body, Paint & GlassQuestionCommunity Starter

2020 Kia Stinger — surface rust underneath a winter daily — anyone dealt with this recently?

NewCarGalCommunity StarterSep 4, 20262020 Kia Stinger GT2Portland
There is early surface rust on brackets, fasteners and seams underneath, but nothing structural. For a salt-belt car, what treatment slows it down without creating a hard coating that traps moisture?
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9 replies

CityFan766Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2020 Kia Stinger. Then you'll know the next fork. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Checking again after work.
BoostMechanicish509Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: In Portland, dedicated winters on the 2020 Kia Stinger paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. On “surface rust underneath a winter daily —,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2020 Kia Stinger in Portland. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
NewCarGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I parked the 2020 Kia Stinger and wrote down what I already tested so I'm not repeating myself. Not driving it hard until I know more.
TowTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. If Portland only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2020 Kia Stinger can be the saner daily. Then you'll know the next fork. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
NewCarGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Following up on surface rust underneath a winter daily —: still happening, but I have better notes now. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
DetailScout4Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2020 Kia Stinger. That's where I'd start. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I'd rather be boring and correct. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
TowBuilder423Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. In Portland, dedicated winters on the 2020 Kia Stinger paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2020 Kia Stinger in Portland. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
CityFan766Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In Portland, dedicated winters on the 2020 Kia Stinger paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
NewCarGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Thanks — that narrowed it. I'm going to try the simpler check on the 2020 Kia Stinger first. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
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