Modular Vehicles have revolutionized transportation in Rust, offering players customizable rides for navigating the harsh environment. Finding a chassis is just the beginning; learning how to repair and maintain your vehicle is crucial for survival. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your Rust cars in top condition.
Locating and Claiming Your First Car Chassis in Rust
The journey to owning a functional vehicle begins with finding a chassis. These can be located alongside roads throughout the Rust map. Keep an eye out for smoke and sparks emanating from a broken-down vehicle – this indicates a potential chassis. These chassis often come with pre-attached modules, which can be salvaged or repaired. You’ll need resources like Metal Fragments, High-Quality Metal, and Wood to get these components back in working order.
Initially, you can move a chassis using Low Grade Fuel or by manually pushing it. However, be cautious when pushing; a rolling chassis can inflict significant damage if it rolls back and hits you.
Essential Steps to Repairing Your Rust Car Engine
Before you can enjoy cruising in your newly acquired chassis, engine repair is paramount. Several essential components are needed to get your Rust car running. These parts can be sourced from various locations: purchased from vendors, found within toolboxes scattered around the map, or crafted yourself. Remember, you can craft different quality tiers – low, medium, and high – each affecting the engine’s performance and longevity. Engine parts can also be researched at a research table if you wish to craft them.
The fundamental engine parts you’ll require are:
- Spark Plug
- Carburetor
- Shift Stick / Crankshaft
- Valves
- Pistons
To install these, access the engine compartment of your vehicle and insert the parts. Crafting these components, especially higher quality ones, requires a substantial amount of Scrap for blueprints and crafting materials. Prioritize looting to gather the necessary Scrap. Investing in higher-grade engine parts directly translates to improved vehicle performance: increased top speed, better fuel economy, and faster acceleration.
Utilizing the Air Wolf Vendor for Medium Quality Car Parts
For players seeking readily available, medium-quality engine components, the Air Wolf vendor at the Bandit Camp is an invaluable resource. This vendor not only stocks medium-quality engine parts but also sells vehicle lifts for Scrap. Blueprints for medium-quality parts from the Air Wolf vendor typically cost around 125 Scrap each. While high-quality components aren’t available here, they can be found at vending machines in the Outpost.
Setting Up a Vehicle Lift for Advanced Car Repair and Modification
While basic repairs can be performed using a Hammer to install engine parts, significant vehicle modification and module additions necessitate a vehicle lift. You can purchase a vehicle lift from the Air Wolf vendor for approximately 175 Scrap, or research it for 125 Scrap if you have a Workbench Level 2, allowing you to craft it yourself. Crafting a vehicle lift requires 1000 Metal Fragments, 10 High-Quality Metal, and three Gears.
Placement of the vehicle lift requires a foundation of at least 6×3 squares and needs a power source to operate. Ensure the location is easily accessible for vehicles. Once powered, the vehicle lift’s control panel allows you to add and remove modules, facilitating extensive customization.
After acquiring or crafting desired modules, use the vehicle lift to attach them to your chassis, creating a customized, powerful vehicle. For security, craft a Metal Key for 15 Scrap to prevent unauthorized use. Remember to keep the key on your person when not in the vehicle.
Exploring Available Vehicle Modules for Rust Cars
A variety of modules are available to tailor your Rust car to your specific needs. Currently, ten distinct modules are known, with more potentially to be discovered. Crafting these modules demands significant resources, particularly Metal Fragments, High-Quality Metal, and Wood.
Vehicle Module | Crafting Cost | Research Cost | Workbench Level Required |
---|---|---|---|
Armored Cockpit | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 50 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 3 |
Cockpit | 250 Meal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Cockpit with Engine | 250 Metal Fragments, 8 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Engine | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Fuel Tank | 400 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Passenger Module | 500 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 250 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Rear Seats | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Flatbed | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Large Flatbed | 400 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 250 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Storage | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 250 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |




Keep in mind that vehicle components left outdoors will degrade over time, necessitating regular maintenance to prevent decay. Chassis sizes vary, occupying two, three, or four Socket slots. For a visual guide to modular vehicles, consider watching this video by TheMeemishGamer: Rust Beginner’s Guide – Everything you need to know about Cars.
Rust Beginner’s Guide – Everything you need to know about Cars
Mastering vehicle repair and customization in Rust is a significant step towards dominating the landscape. By understanding how to find chassis, repair engines, utilize vehicle lifts, and craft modules, you’ll be well-equipped to build and maintain a fleet of vehicles to conquer any challenge.