Is the Lada Granta galvanized? How to extend the life of a car?


Potential buyers and car owners are concerned with the question: does the Grant model have a galvanized body or not? The concern is easy to understand: the cost of the body is a significant part of the price of the budget car Lada Granta, galvanization protects the structure from the influence of adverse external factors.

Different sources provide conflicting information. Official representatives of the AvtoVAZ concern claim: the Lada Grant has a galvanized body, some sales dealers refute the statement.

How to care for an expensive car body, regardless of whether the body of the Lada Grant is galvanized or not?

Information from official representatives of AvtoVAZ

At the concern's factories, metal body elements are treated with a layer of galvanization. The low cost of the car does not allow covering the entire metal area; they protect the most vulnerable areas susceptible to corrosion:

• doors; • hind wings; • rear wheel niches; • luggage compartment lids; • body protective screen; • floor; • protective casing; • frame details; • rear wing groove.

The main vital structural elements are treated with a coating; the question can be removed whether the body of the Lada Grant is galvanized or not.

Whose body is more resistant to corrosion: Kalina or Priora?

It is possible that at one time you were the owner of both a Kalina and a Priora, and in this case, of course, you know which car is more resistant to the appearance of rust and rot on body parts. If you think that both cars are domestic, and therefore will rust the same, then you are seriously mistaken.

I, as a former owner of Kalina, can tell you a lot about this car and am familiar with Priors firsthand, so I can certainly compare these cars of the same model year, especially since I have seen dozens of 100% disassembled cars and believe me, I have something say about this.

A look at the problem from the inside

Of course, there are no eternal cars, especially when it comes to the domestic automobile industry. But while some cars can last up to 10 years without significant signs of corrosion, others already in the third year are covered with red spots almost in a circle.

All the “delights” of Priora

For those in the know, you probably understand that in the first case we were talking specifically about Kalina, since the body of this car, if we consider all models before Vesta, is the most durable and resistant to corrosion. Don't believe me? Take the first Priora you come across, about 5 years old, and inspect it from the bottom. You will see with a 95% probability the appearance of rust along the seams of the doors below, a yellowed trunk lid and rust spots on the hood, which can eat the metal from the inside during this time, and this has happened more than once to many owners of these cars.

The trunk lid is a separate matter - one gets the feeling that on this part they simply saved several times on metal and almost all this is done from waste. Even a sedan, even a hatchback with a station wagon, the result is the same - a rotten trunk in 3-5 years, or even earlier. Here is a real example of the cover of a 5-year-old Lada Priora station wagon.

The rust spots that were cleaned off only worsened the situation, since the metal now became like a sieve - it really shines through. But what turned out to be even more interesting in this story is that this lid was ordered from the Caucasus with shipping from TK for as much as 3,000 rubles. That is, we can conclude that even in this condition, this part is normal for Priora owners.

Is Kalina that good?

But Kalina can no longer boast of such problems, since the assembly of this machine, according to many knowledgeable people, occurs completely differently, and the metal most likely is used is different. How else can we explain the fact that even 10-year-old Kalinas often have a more dignified body appearance than 3-year-old Prioras.

Again, this is not a special case, but a pattern that you yourself can trace if you go to inspect at least 10 cars of the same and second models with the same years of manufacture. Moreover, it is worth saying that the first generations of both one model and the other were of higher quality in terms of metal. Now you can find a door with holes in it even on the new Kalina-2, although these cases are quite rare. But this kind of marriage is not excluded and a large number of car enthusiasts are aware of this.

Speaking about my personal car, which I have used for more than 7 years, I can say the following. Not a single body part has even a speck of rust. Moreover, the car is outdoors all year round, washed no more than once a month, and it definitely hasn’t seen any special care. So, as far as anti-corrosion properties are concerned, Kalina in this regard outshines Priore in no time.

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Factory galvanizing methods

Discussions about domestically produced cars do not subside. They argue about the Lada Granta, whether the body is galvanized, how the price corresponds to the quality, meanwhile the giant AvtoVAZ continues its strategy of improving the cars it produces and improving galvanization as well.

The factories use the following coating methods:

• thermal galvanizing is the most reliable;

• galvanization, when zinc is deposited from a solution on the surface of parts under the influence of electric current;

• coating with a primer with preliminary application of manganese, zinc and iron salts to the metal surface.

Let's sum it up

Now you know whether the body is galvanized. Only careful care of the LADA Granta car will keep the body presentable for a long time and ensure its trouble-free operation. And the question about the level of efficiency of galvanizing the Granta body will move to the background here.

Anti-corrosion treatment of the Lada Granta is mandatory, like any domestically produced car, despite the excellent performance characteristics of the vehicle: reliability, practicality, and efficiency.

About 30% of the car's parts are made of special alloys, but there are weak points in the Lada. These are the bottom, doors, hollow elements, welding joints. To avoid damage, you need to apply a special coating to such places.

Debunking myths

1. Does a galvanized body not rust?

Even if, when buying a car, when asked whether Granta is galvanized or not, the dealer gives you a positive answer, it’s too early to calm down. Due to the very thin coating layer and its partial nature, rapid reduction of the galvanizing layer is guaranteed.

Without additional treatment, the body will still rust.

2. Does a new car require additional body work?

Factory protection is imperfect. Even a new car requires preventive anti-corrosion treatment. During operation, the body coating is subjected to strong mechanical stress, causing cracking of the coating, moisture entering the cavities and corrosion of body elements.

3. Does the aluminum body not rust?

In fact, the entire body cannot be made of stainless aluminum; steel is also used, it is susceptible to corrosion. Aluminum oxidizes over time and turns into powder.

4. Will the factory rust protection last for many years?

The rate of metal corrosion largely depends on operating conditions and climatic conditions. A metal layer 0.6 mm thick can rust through in six years! The body needs to be treated.

5. Mud flaps and fender liners, plastic covers are useless?

Not true. The equipment reduces the abrasive effect of dirt and sand on the body.

Installation of elements is carried out using self-tapping screws, external joints are treated with anti-corrosion coatings. Mud flaps are attached with maximum adherence to the wings and body.

Regardless of whether the Granta body is galvanized or not, preventive treatment of the body must be performed.

Prices and configurations of the Lada Granta in various body types

Granta liftback red

Let’s say right away that the price for the 5-door version of the Granta liftback, depending on the configuration, will be in the range of 314-477 thousand rubles. Granta sedan starts at 294 thousand rubles.

The most budget version of the hatchback is “Standard”. Everything here is done, so to speak, cheaply and cheerfully. The buyer will have to pay 314 thousand rubles for this model, which will be 20 thousand rubles more expensive than the sedan version. But the owner holds all the cards: there is a stylish design, a good engine, 14-inch wheels, and much of what was written about in detail above.

If we compare models among new cars at this cost, then this is ZAZ Chance, which costs about 295 thousand rubles in the basic version and 308 thousand rubles in a more advanced configuration with power steering and heated front seats.

Our liftback can also compete with the “Chinese” Lifan Smiley, valued at 309 thousand rubles.

Now about the “Norma” version. Dealers are asking about 345 thousand rubles for it, but everything on it is practically the same as on the “Standard”, except for the presence of an unnecessary rear wiper, ESD, ABS, headrests and better audio preparation.

In addition, a “normal” Grant liftback can be distinguished from a “standard” one by door moldings and B-pillar trims. The expensive version has moldings painted in body color, and linings are black.

Let's quickly take a look at the competitors. The players here are the same as those of Standard, with only one addition in the form of a 2013 Chery Very for 355 thousand rubles.

Luxury Granta

The “Lux” package is the most expensive version of the Grant liftback. For this AvtoVAZ asks no less than 420 thousand rubles. But there are much more additional systems here: climate control, cool multimedia, a more sophisticated security system, 15-inch wheels and much more.

Note. A “luxury” Granta with an automatic transmission will cost 57 thousand rubles more than a similar version with a manual transmission. Wow, you say, but it’s worth it, because it adds parking sensors, useful sensors and a stability control system.

What can you buy for the same money? Renault Sandero costs about 374 thousand rubles in the basic version, and for its “luxury” version you will have to pay at least 474 thousand.

A good option for the Russian-assembled Skoda Fabia. True, orders for this car are no longer accepted, but dealers are still selling the remaining models in stock. You can buy a car for 439 thousand rubles.

As for the “Koreans,” they also have a model for that price. This is a Hyundai Solaris hatchback for 453 thousand rubles.

And finally, for 489 thousand rubles you can buy the popular Renault Duster.

Finally, let’s say that Granta looks much better than its competitors in terms of purchase. Evidence of this is its body, which has been polished to perfection and is distinguished by good performance. Photos and video materials will allow you to learn more about the body types of the Lada Granta. If you are interested in repairing the body yourself, then read the detailed instructions posted on our website.

The table indicates whether the body of the VAZ Granta car, produced from 2011 to 2014, is galvanized, and the quality of processing.
TreatmentTypeMethodBody condition
2011PartialCold galvanizingGalvanization result: Poor The car is already 8 years old. Considering the age and quality of zinc treatment of this car (under normal operating conditions), body corrosion has just begun. It is difficult to notice if the car has not been subjected to shocks and scratches.
2012PartialCold galvanizingapplication of zinc-containing coatingGalvanization result: Poor The car is already 7 years old. Considering the age and quality of zinc treatment of this car (under normal operating conditions), body corrosion has just begun. It is difficult to notice if the car has not been subjected to shocks and scratches.
2013PartialCold galvanizingapplication of zinc-containing coatingGalvanization result: Poor The car is already 6 years old. Considering the age and quality of zinc treatment of this car (under normal operating conditions), body corrosion has just begun. It is difficult to notice if the car has not been subjected to shocks and scratches.
2014PartialCold galvanizingapplication of zinc-containing coatingGalvanization result: Poor The machine is already 5 years old. Considering the age and quality of zinc treatment of this machine (under normal operating conditions), the first corrosion will begin in 1 year.

When a galvanized body is damaged, corrosion destroys the zinc and not the steel
.
Types of processing
Over the years, the processing process itself has changed.
A younger car will always be better galvanized! Types of galvanizing
The presence of zinc particles in the soil covering the body does not affect its protection and is used in advertising materials.
. Tests
The results of tests of cars that came off the production line with the same damage (a cross) on the lower part of the front right door.
Tests were carried out in the laboratory. Conditions in a chamber with hot salt fog for 40 days correspond to 5 years of normal operation. A car with hot galvanization
(layer thickness 12-15 microns)
A car with galvanic galvanization
(layer thickness 5-10 microns)
A car with cold galvanization
(layer thickness 10 microns)
A car with zinc metal A car without galvanization Important to know
- Over the years, manufacturers have improved galvanizing technology their cars.
A younger car will always be better galvanized! — A coating with a thickness of 2 to 10 microns
(micrometers) provides excellent protection against the occurrence and spread of corrosion damage.
— The rate of destruction of the active zinc layer at the site of body damage ranges from 1 to 6 microns per year
.
Zinc degrades more actively at elevated temperatures. — If “full” is not added
, it means that only elements exposed to impacts were processed.
— Pay more attention to the presence of a manufacturer’s warranty on the body rather than loud phrases about galvanizing from advertising. Additionally,
a lot of controversy has been caused about the modern AVTOVAZ car, which is VESTA. Many do not believe our automobile industry and say that “modern generation” is nothing more than a continuation of the “folk” GRANT, KALINA, PRIOR on the one hand. If we put aside everything else (technical and design), opponents of the brand, often entering into disputes, bring up the following facts: “ it will rot in a couple of years if not treated correctly.”

"! However, the manufacturer gives a guarantee “for 6 years” specifically on the body, that there will be no signs of through corrosion. And now the concept of “galvanization” begins to blow, opponents will again say that it simply isn’t there (this is a LADA, NOT a MERCEDES), others say that it is there and that the parts are reliably protected. So where is the truth? Today we’ll sort it out whether it’s there or not...

Starting the article, I would like to quote the words of one “mega-expert” from a specialized forum (I will not rewrite it verbatim), but this is the meaning. There used to be VAZ 2101s - the metal was of high quality, that’s why it didn’t rot! But now I don’t understand why, that’s why they cover it with all sorts of crap – “anti-corrosion”, “galvanization” and so on. I would like to immediately object to him, these methods are responses to modern road conditions. Previously, when “KOPEYKA” appeared, there were very few cars, I remember the winters - the snow from the roads was practically not cleared (only the main highways), there were no reagents. And what now - the roads, even at minus 10, are somehow wet, all because they are simply covered in reagents that corrode snow and ice, respectively, the body, paint and even tires (and what can I say, sometimes even boots don’t work for the season). Under such conditions, the entire “2101” would have rotted in a couple of years! So they protect modern cars, in a modern way, excuse the tautology.

Special attention

Improvements in technology are observed from year to year, warranty obligations regarding body rust are increasing, which also affected AvtoVAZ. Pay attention to whether there is such a guarantee, and do not believe advertising and dubious information about galvanizing.

The body warranty for today's Lada models is 6 years. However, service life may vary depending on how well the body is treated and where the vehicle is driven. If rust is found within the warranty, notify your dealer immediately.

Cars galvanized by heat treatment

Hot (or thermal) treatment was developed back in 1986 by the Audi corporation, so almost all cars of this automaker, as well as expensive Volkswagen and Seat models, are included in the list of cars galvanized using this method. Chevrolet Epica and Opel Astra undergo a similar procedure.

The hot-dip galvanizing method is the best, so it is more difficult to implement and requires large material investments. But this treatment gives a real result, which allows you to protect the vehicle from corrosion for at least 30 years. The ability to provide such a guarantee is achieved by applying a thick layer of protective material, which, under thermal influence, penetrates into the depths of the metal of the body. Due to the high cost of the method, it is used for premium and business class models. This list also includes the following brands and models:

  • Fiat Albea and Marea;
  • Porsche;
  • Cadillac;
  • Volvo, starting with model 240;
  • Belgian-assembled Ford Escort, Sierra and Mondeo;
  • Chevrolet Lacetti and Epica;
  • Opel Astra and Vectra;
  • Buick.

Reviews

Appearance4.7AVTOVAZ has never made liftbacks before, but the first experience was 100% a success. The appearance is good, starting from the new front bumper (by the end of the year this may appear on the sedan) and more “aerodynamic”, and therefore quiet at speed, mirrors with built-in turn indicators (in the “Luxury”) and ending with a rising window line and a beautiful sloping roofline sloping down to the tailgate.
Driver's seat3.7Ergonomics are at the familiar good level, with the exception of a few questionable details. Return the old manual transmission knob, leave the engine temperature gauge, and we will forgive you the inability to comfortably use the “bottle pods”.
Utilitarian utility6.5The possibilities of using the trunk are beyond praise. It’s rare that someone manages to make such a trunk with such a harmonious appearance, and it’s even more surprising that it was AVTOVAZ that did it. The only pity is that the rear seat head restraints have to be removed when folding it.
Comfort3.5If we mean the luxury version, the suspension has become stiffer, but the car definitely wins the “drive”. Those who don’t need “drive” can choose a luxury sedan (the suspension is softer) or a simpler version of the liftback. Therefore, in terms of comfort, we upset only one thing - the acute lack of sound insulation of the wheel arches.
Overclocking4.2The dynamics and elasticity of both “senior” power units are at a very decent level: with a manual transmission (106 hp), you can drive up a slight hill in 5th gear and safely overtake a slow-moving truck, while a car with an automatic transmission ( 98 hp) subjectively accelerates no worse than versions with manual transmission, although the real difference in acceleration to “hundreds” is about a second.
Controllability4.7The liftback feels more collected than a serial sedan, and is reminiscent of the Lada Granta Sport - longitudinal sway has practically disappeared, roll has decreased, the car stands very well on a high-speed straight line. Some may find the “luxury” suspension a bit harsh, but with its refined behavior and minimal sway on bumps and corners, you can forgive the discomfort from transmitted vibrations. By the way, the Chinese LingLong tires unexpectedly turned out to be quite good - the engineers chose them based on a number of options in this price segment and a combination of qualities. We made no mistake.
Brakes3.7The brakes also became better - due to a vacuum booster, which was perfected together with Renault-Nissan. Now the pedal travel is shorter, and the force increases more smoothly - as a result, the information content of the brakes has become almost “foreign-made”, which will appeal to both beginners and experienced drivers who love active driving.
Safety4.1While we only have data on the sedan, the liftback has not yet been publicly broken, but it is unlikely that the new version will be radically different from the “progenitor” in this regard. The test car has 2 airbags, and among the active safety systems the car has ABS and brake assist (BA). In 2012, a standard Lada Granta with one airbag passed a crash test using the Autoreview method, scoring two stars out of four possible and 8.4 points.
Kudos2.2Within the Lada brand, this car is very close to the top in terms of prestige. As for the prestige of “international”, everything is not obvious yet - the negative attitude towards the brand has not yet been overcome. We give the Lada Granta liftback 2.2 points - exactly the same as the Lada Granta Sport.
Positive
1.Kirill , 32 years old: six months ago I bought Grant a Liftback at a salon. In such a short time there are no comments, it works properly. Previously I thought about buying a Sedan, but for commerce the Liftback is better, the trunk is more spacious.
2.Vyacheslav , 39 years old: despite the changes in the exterior of the Liftback, I like the Sedan. The body is shorter, stiffer, assembled, a wide range of engines.
3.Sergey , 33 years old: this year we bought a new Granta Liftback, everyone is happy and everyone is happy. For us, the Sedan is not practical, since there are a lot of things, trips out of town, to the sea. In terms of filling, the models are completely identical.
4.Vladimir , 29 years old: I do business, for me the Sedan is not practical. The 700 liter trunk holds a lot of things.
5.Gennady , 27 years old: for me the choice was difficult, both models are good, practical, moderately economical. As a result, I bought a Sedan, it seemed to me not as raw as the Liftback.
6.Igor , 34 years old: for me, a car is a means of transportation in which I must always be confident, regardless of the time of day. I settled on the Lada Granta Liftback, as it represents a new model range. Unfortunately, the Sedan is somewhat outdated.
Negative
1.Victor , 29 years old: for me, both Grants are not acceptable, crude, with many flaws. In five years I can buy one, but for now I drive a Renault Logan. It has been tested for years.
2.Vladislav , 42 years old: since the models are generally identical, with the exception of the exterior, I decided not to overpay and bought the basic Sedan version.
3.Grigory , 28 years old: I prefer the Sedan, it has been modified, tested, and I have heard good reviews from the owners. The liftback is damp, it takes time to eliminate the defects.

Most car owners are inclined to buy a Lada Granta Sedan, since the model is adapted to the conditions, tested, the shortcomings are known, and methods for eliminating them are known. However, the Sedan cannot offer the luggage compartment capacity of the Liftback. An important trump card for those involved in entrepreneurship. Which is better is a purely individual choice for everyone.

Conclusion Buying a car is not an easy matter. The final decision is up to the future owner, but I can say from myself that first determine what you want the car for. If we are talking about the delivery of goods and equipment, the choice is for the Liftback; if daily trips to work are enough, buy a Sedan. Granta Sedan or Liftback, which one to choose is obviously what you like. Expert advice is advisory in nature only.

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Comparative characteristics

From the above we can draw the following conclusion:

  • Granta is cheaper than Kalina;
  • Grant has a modern platform, better handling;
  • to the detriment of safety and quality, Grant simplified the headlight unit and other body parts, but this lowered the price of the car;
  • Grant has a higher quality paintwork. Less susceptible to corrosion, retains natural color longer.
  • Compared to Kalina, Grant has better sound insulation, which allows you to talk in the car even at high speed.

It would be worth considering some parameters in more detail and comparing them.

  1. Appearance of cars. Upon a superficial examination of the new product, it may seem that the Granta is not like other Russian cars. Upon closer inspection, it is noticeable that the side doors are the same as those of the Lada Kalina. And the sedan bodies of both models are generally not much different. The Granta can only be recognized by its large size and a different shape of the bumper and headlights.
  2. Luggage compartment. When it comes to trunk space, the Lada Kalina remains on the bench. Due to the fact that Granta's body is longer than that of Kalina, its trunk is much larger. It’s just that the appearance of the trunk is “lame”, and it doesn’t close the first time. But the size of the trunk is louder than its shortcomings, and this is good news.
  3. Salon overview. Kalina users often received complaints about the unbearable creaking of the panels, a large number of gaps and backlashes. In the new Lada Granta, these shortcomings have been corrected, and the interior makes almost no unnecessary unpleasant sounds. But regarding the plastic in the car, there is a question: is it cheap? Despite this, the interior of the Lada Granta also has its advantages:
  • beautiful and pleasant instrument panel;
  • cup holders installed;
  • the glove compartment has been enlarged;
  • There were no problems with the heater operation.
  1. Steering rack. A significant advantage of the Grant over the Kalina is the shortened steering rack. This solution made it easier to drive the new car. But there was no room in the vehicle for an ashtray, but all was not lost.
  2. Power unit. The engines in both cars are almost the same, but the Granta has some advantages. With the same number of valves per cylinder, the Kalina engine is capable of developing a power of 82 horsepower, and

    Grant - 90. Such indicators can be explained by the fact that the latter has a lightweight connecting rod and piston group. The Granta's power unit works faster, unlike the Kalina, and there is no unnecessary noise.

  3. Safety system. It is worth noting that the Grant has two airbags, which cannot be said about the Kalina, and this is a good indicator, considering the new product as a budget car.

In addition, the new product, like its competitor Lada Kalina, will exist in a hatchback body. Granta in a hatchback body looks more youthful, but Lada Kalina is more functional in terms of transporting large loads.

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