Galvanic Corrosion in Semi-Trailers: What It Is, How to Detect It and How to Prevent It
Galvanic corrosion is a silent enemy that affects semi-trailers and any industrial vehicle that combines different metals. This phenomenon occurs when two metals with different electrochemical potentials come into contact in the presence of an electrolyte such as water or moisture. Understanding how it develops and how to prevent it is key to extending the lifespan of your semi-trailer and reducing maintenance costs.
Common examples of galvanic corrosion in semi-trailers include:
- -Steel chassis combined with aluminium or stainless steel fittings
- -Stainless steel bolts in contact with painted steel sheet
Factors that increase the risk of galvanic corrosion
Certain conditions make galvanic corrosion more likely to occur:
- -Moisture and rainwater, which act as an electrolyte.
- –Direct contact between different metals without insulation.
- –Significant differences in electrical potential between materials.
- -Failures in protective coatings, such as industrial paint, galvanizing, or anodizing
Consequences of galvanic corrosion in semi-trailers
Ignoring galvanic corrosion can lead to structural and aesthetic problems, as well as increased maintenance costs:
- –Thinning of structural components (chassis, side panels).
- -Failures in fittings and locking systems.
- -Appearance of rust and aesthetic deterioration.
- -Need for frequent maintenance and higher operating costs
How to prevent galvanic corrosion in semi-trailers
Preventing galvanic corrosion requires a combined strategy that includes material selection, insulation, surface protection, and regular maintenance.
At Tisvol, we take it a step further by applying a rigorous protocol that safeguards all metal joints, maximizing the lifespan and reliability of our semi-trailers.
General prevention measures:
- -Selection of compatible materials to avoid direct contact between metals with large differences in electrochemical potential.
- -Electrical insulation using washers, spacers, or non-conductive coatings
- -Surface protection with high-quality industrial paint, galvanizing, or special coatings
- -Regular maintenance: cleaning off salt, water, or chemical residues and inspecting bolts and coatings
Additional protection measures from Tisvol:
- -Protection at contact points between aluminium and steel components using insulators such as neoprene
- -Entire bolt assembly treated with Dacromet or made of stainless steel.
- -Anti-corrosion treatments on key and sensitive components
- -Installation of protective caps on chassis bolts
Below is a table showing the protection measures applied between different materials:
| Materials | Applied solution |
|---|---|
| Aluminum + aluminum | Without a separating element |
| Aluminum + galvanized steel | Protective paint to prevent contact and oxidation |
| Aluminum + Magnelis steel | Installed rubber gasket |
| Fasteners on painted vehicles | Plastic washers between the bolts and the chassis beam to prevent oxidation between paint and steel |
| Fasteners on unpainted vehicles | Stainless steel washer between the bolts and the chassis beam to prevent oxidation |
| Joints between axles and chassis | Neoprene between metal surfaces |
Among the components protected against galvanic corrosion are:
Benefits of protecting your semi-trailers against galvanic corrosion
- -Longer lifespan and increased structural durability.
- -Reduced maintenance and repair costs.
- -Greater safety and reliability in cargo transport
- -Preservation of the semi-trailer’s appearance and resale value
„Preventing galvanic corrosion not only ensures t
he durability of components but also guarantees the
quality and reliability of the vehicles.“
