--- title: When it’s the outside that counts description: Everything you need to know about the durable surface finish on trailer couplings from VBG. A surface finishing that meets the automotive industry’s toughest requirements regarding corrosion. image: https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBg_ytbehandling_rod.png --- [![VBG logo](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Assets/img/vbg-logo.svg)](http://www.vbg.eu/en/) - Solutions ## Solutions [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/u7x3adb8a5z0vhk13on2/L-sningar-helhet.svg) Solutions with an integrated approach](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/2139yxibtv33ljh14w2u/P-byggare-1.svg) Sustainable transport](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/sustainable-transport/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/apvj8axm8whp5kfovoi7/P-byggare.svg) For bodybuilders](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/for-bodybuilders/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/5u4dpqvokj0eeu5m6357/F-rare.svg) For drivers](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/for-drivers/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/fvh0h915kt30gka9b93l/Kundber-ttelser.svg) Customer stories](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/success-stories/) - Products ## Products [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/vbg-795vr-3-pa_l-l.png?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=a0ce582ad2faa38431d9fbb5cf3695d20d9d09ccd8f60e4e4b4a8a8f7bbb83dd&v=1632122430) Couplings](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/couplings/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/menu-driver-assist.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=7022981b6fd020dd858e676d60bcf4659982dcce51bcba54721cd579f2aea038&v=1652191373) VBG Driver Assist](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/vbg-driver-assist/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/dragbalkmeny2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=6d2309b5068c4b48af0d00f2b092c4bc095f427241f0e8baeb3630a1f25ca526&v=1526977473) Drawbeam system](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/drawbeam-system/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/u-skydd_produktvaljare.png?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=485a2e3acf5d96935f554423addfedd12b63a67d4075fb734df07a1e1ab9af5b&v=1662447913) Underrun protection](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/underrun-protection/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/dragstangmeny2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=223385284bb8115d3b7bc62217b21467da6647d53ebe60765f64279ea2b91d50&v=1527153014) Drawbars](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/drawbars/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/dragogla/dragoglamenu.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=1d7d41bf43e644a779e6470fe3ff0c35486fa56b2870378de7148dc8e06f9e5a&v=1525696242) Drawbar eyes](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/drawbar-eyes/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/tillbehormeny2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=5660dac10f64fa5ef7a7ff3974161791a7d65b3b8ca86e9c161943e9ed4a89b9&v=1526997631) Other assortment](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/other-assortment/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imgs/imagevault/publishedmedia/ft5bo6n69m9whjj5qm6y/vbg-menu-system.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=677796ce0d04b3cb3bc90c9de7b6183a62373bdec05cce508bacbd30c0459d8f) See the whole system](http://www.vbg.eu/en/product-overview/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/spare-parts-menu-2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=262457083c8fad284f5c16fa023e153bee90029557d8ece62b5841e2b97b4ef4&v=1646642366) Spare parts](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/spare-parts/) ![](http://www.vbg.eu/globalassets/menybilder/spare-parts-menu-2.jpg?width=400&format=webp&quality=85&hmac=262457083c8fad284f5c16fa023e153bee90029557d8ece62b5841e2b97b4ef4&v=1646642366) Spare parts [Spare parts](http://www.vbg.eu/en/products/spare-parts/) - Support ## Support [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/2yv841kxf1zw7gqhbsbn/Service.svg) Support](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/dsyjjfa4bgxm4397imm9/Returer.svg) Returns and Complaints](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/returns-and-complaints/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/dy5z3mo5pwljlke283ks/Riktlinjer.svg) Maintenance guidelines](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/maintenance-guidelines/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/9mcef176c2807rmrrfnk/Kvalite.svg) Quality and Environment](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/quality-and-environment/) [![](http://www.vbg.eu/imagevault/publishedmedia/fhvf37ms8x5kw19s2b6j/Vanliga-fragor.svg) FAQ](http://www.vbg.eu/en/faq/) - [Calculator](http://www.vbg.eu/en/calculator/) ## Calculator - [Blog](https://blog.vbg.eu/en) ## Blog [Contact us](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/) - [Partner Login](http://www.vbg.eu/en/extranat/) - Select your language Published on 10 Feb 2022 by [Lars Pettersson](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/lars-pettersson) > 5 min # When it’s the outside that counts [Back](https://blog.vbg.eu/en) Share the article - - *Most trucks are made of steel. And sooner or later, steel rusts. The vehicle is a significant part of the external image of your transport business, and a high finish on component surfaces is therefore desirable, while wear resistance and corrosion resistance are requirements.* Let’s start by finding out how rust can affect your business. A few small rust stains here and there surely don’t do any harm, do they? Well, when it comes to the total cost of ownership, rust can actually be a very costly factor. It is estimated that about 3% of the world’s total GDP is lost annually due to corrosion. A key to reducing rust, or corrosion – technically the electrochemical oxidation of metal, is surface finishing. The better and more durable the surface finish, the less corrosion, and thus a longer service life for the steel component. ## WHAT IS SURFACE FINISHING? Surface finishing, or surface treatment, refers to a range of processes that give materials and equipment desirable properties. These properties can be completely different. For the uninitiated, it is important to point out that surface finishing is not simply applying a little rustproofing and paint. The functional properties of the surface finish make the surface resistant to rust and hard wear. Cosmetic characteristics, i.e. the product’s colour, glossiness or dullness in the selected surface finish, help to give your steel components a stylish look. ![VBg_ytbehandling_rod](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBg_ytbehandling_rod.png?width=1200&name=VBg_ytbehandling_rod.png) ## WHICH SURFACE FINISHING IS SUITABLE FOR YOUR BUSINESS? When it comes to trucks, high demands are placed on both functional properties and cosmetic characteristics. The surface finish or finishes that will be durable in the long term for your business depends on the conditions under which the component will be used. But in general, a durable – and in the long run – profitable surface finishing process is both time consuming and complicated. In terms of the functional properties you want to achieve, surface finishing is carried out in several steps. This, of course, raises the price of the product as the material for this finishing is costly and the process is more time consuming than if you choose a simple surface finishing. But then you can be sure that the vehicle – from the moment it leaves the assembly facility – will be better able to withstand surface stresses such as mechanical wear and stone chipping, compared to components with simpler surface finishing. ## A SURFACE FINISH THAT CAN REDUCE TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP When it comes to the most exposed parts of a truck, it is important to view the surface finish as a long-term investment. The right surface finish will translate to a lower total cost of ownership – the components simply last longer before damage must be repaired or they must be replaced. A functional product with a maintained finish is also positive in terms of resale value. ## WORLD-CLASS SURFACE FINISHING To create the best possible corrosion protection, wear resistance and a high finish, [VBG’s](https://www.vbg.eu/en/product-overview/surface-treatment/) sheet metal components go through a complicated multi-step process that meets the automotive industry’s toughest requirements regarding corrosion. ![VBg_ytbehandling_mekaniskbehandling](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBg_ytbehandling_mekaniskbehandling.png?width=1200&name=VBg_ytbehandling_mekaniskbehandling.png) To begin with, the product undergoes two types of pre-treatment. A mechanical treatment as well as a chemical treatment in which the surface is undergoes abrasive blasting, cleaning and conversion. This is followed by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in the form of an extremely thin coating which covers the entire product. The EPD coat has very high penetrability to provide maximum barrier protection, and it is the first step in the coating. The topcoat on VBG’s products consists of powder coating, which is applied via friction charging and then cured in an oven. This produces a hard, durable and chip-resistant surface that will last for many years to come. ![VBg_ytbehandling_ed](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBg_ytbehandling_ed.png?width=1200&name=VBg_ytbehandling_ed.png) Would you like to know more, or do you have any questions about our surface finishing? [![Contact an expert](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2640104/e98cc393-c3ab-44df-a0bb-ba774141a0e8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2640104/e98cc393-c3ab-44df-a0bb-ba774141a0e8) Topics - [Ownership](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/ownership) [![Lars Pettersson](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/Author%20Portrait/Authors_BW_Lars_Pettersson.png?width=200&name=Authors_BW_Lars_Pettersson.png)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/lars-pettersson) #### [Lars Pettersson](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/lars-pettersson) Lars Petterson jobbar som Produktionschef med fokus på att kontinuerligt utveckla försörjningskedjan från inkommande material, via tillverkning och fram till den slutgiltiga leveransen. Under 25 år i branschen har Lars skaffat sig specialistkunskap inom ytbehandlingsteknik och är en av utvecklarna bakom VBG:s ytbehandlingsprocess som uppfyller fordonsindustrins tuffaste krav beträffande korrosion. Lars intressen är idrott i alla dess former, särskilt hockey. Men när hockeysäsongen är över, så är det hans passion för gamla Saab-bilar som fyller hans fritid. Lars Petterson works as Production manager with focus on continuously developing the supply chain from incoming materials, via manufacturing and up to the final delivery. During 25 years in the industry, Lars has acquired specialist knowledge in surface treatment technology and is one of the developers behind VBG’s surface treatment process that meets the automotive industry’s strictest demands regarding corrosion. Lars is interested in sport in all its forms, especially ice hockey. But when the hockey season is over, his passion for old Saab cars fills his spare time. Lars Petterson arbejder som produktionschef med fokus på kontinuerligt at udvikle forsyningskæden fra indkommende materialer over produktion og frem til den endelige levering. I løbet af sine 25 år i branchen har Lars erhvervet sig specialistviden inden for overfladebehandlingsteknik og er en af udviklerne bag VBG's overfladebehandlingsproces, der opfylder bilindustriens strengeste krav til korrosion. Lars' interesser er sport i alle dens afskygninger, især hockey. Men når hockeysæsonen er forbi, er det hans passion for gamle Saab-biler, der fylder hans fritid. ### Recent posts - [VBG Strengthens Capacity with New Testing Facility](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/vbg-strengthens-capacity-with-new-testing-facility) - [How do I perform a function check?](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-do-i-perform-a-function-check) - [How Dagab uses VBG Driver Assist](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-dagab-uses-vbg-driver-assist) - [How to protect your investment and extend the system’s lifespan](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-to-protect-your-investment-and-extend-the-systems-lifespan) - [What technical requirements apply to 34.5 meter combinations?](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/what-technical-requirements-apply-to-34.5-meter-combinations) - [View all](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/all) ### Topics - [Transportation industry (73)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/transportation-industry) - [Ownership (48)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/ownership) - [Transport industry (40)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/transport-industry) - [Use (31)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/use) - [Engineering (5)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/tag/engineering) ### Authors - [Anders Erkén (2)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/anders-erkén) - [Emil Vikingsson (3)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/emil-vikingsson) - [Emilia Angséus (1)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/emilia-angséus) - [Eric Carlebom (5)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/eric-carlebom) - [Fredrik Gustavsson (1)](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/fredrik-gustavsson) ## Discuss this post Leave a comment ## Recommended reading ![How do I perform a function check?](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG_Norway_-6804-1.png) > 4 min #### How do I perform a function check? Summer and the vacation we all look forward to are just around the corner. No matter how you plan to spend your time off, it’s reassuring to know that your ... [![Emil Vikingsson](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Author_Portrait/Emil%20Vikingsson%20no%20bkg%20bw.png?width=26&name=Emil%20Vikingsson%20no%20bkg%20bw.png) Emil Vikingsson 28 May 2026](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-do-i-perform-a-function-check) ![How Dagab uses VBG Driver Assist](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Dagabekipage_w14%202026.png) ~ 5 min #### How Dagab uses VBG Driver Assist In a workflow where every minute counts, Dagab has chosen VBG Driver Assist to make trailer coupling more consistent and safer. Here, we explain why they chose ... [![Jan Höglund](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/5195_Jan%20H%C3%B6glund%20500x500.jpg?width=26&name=5195_Jan%20H%C3%B6glund%20500x500.jpg) Jan Höglund 21 Apr 2026](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-dagab-uses-vbg-driver-assist) ![How to protect your investment and extend the system’s lifespan](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG_Norway_-6804.png) > 5 min #### How to protect your investment and extend the system’s lifespan Taking care of the systems and components already in your fleet is one of the simplest ways to improve profitability. By following recommended service ... [![Kristoffer Lindgren](https://blog.vbg.eu/hs-fs/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Author_Portrait/Authors_BW_Kristoffer_Lindgren.png?width=26&name=Authors_BW_Kristoffer_Lindgren.png) Kristoffer Lindgren 3 Mar 2026](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/how-to-protect-your-investment-and-extend-the-systems-lifespan) ## Subscribe to the blog ## Know us - [Solutions](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/) - [See the entire system](http://www.vbg.eu/en/product-overview/) - [FAQ](https://blog.vbg.eu/en/faq) - [What others think](http://www.vbg.eu/en/Solutions/success-stories/) - [Support](http://www.vbg.eu/en/support/) - [Blog](https://blog.vbg.eu/en) ## How can we help you? - [I want to buy](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/request-to-buy/) - [I need spare parts](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/request-for-spare-parts/) - [I need technical support](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/i-require-technical-support/) - [Other questions](http://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/other-questions/) - Supplier information ## Follow us - - - VBG Group Truck Equipment AB | Box 1216 | SE-462 28 Vänersborg  - | [Privacy](http://www.vbg.eu/en/privacy/) - | Whistleblower - | Cookie Policy [![VBG Logo](https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Assets/img/vbg-group-logo.svg)](https://www.vbggroup.com) ## Choose language - [Dansk](http://www.vbg.eu/da/) - [Deutsch](http://www.vbg.eu/de/) - [English](http://www.vbg.eu/en/) - [Norsk](http://www.vbg.eu/no/) - [Suomi](http://www.vbg.eu/fi/) - [Svenska](http://www.vbg.eu/sv/) [Contact us](https://www.vbg.eu/en/contact-us/) SubscribeSubscribe to the blog ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lars Pettersson", "url" : "https://blog.vbg.eu/en/author/lars-pettersson" }, "dateModified" : "2022-02-10T06:45:00.427Z", "datePublished" : "2022-02-10T06:45:00.000Z", "headline" : "When it’s the outside that counts", "image" : [ "https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/VBG/VBG_Images/VBG_blogposts/VBg_ytbehandling_rod.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.vbg.eu/en/surface-treatment-blog", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.vbg.eu/hubfs/Assets/img/logo1.gif" }, "name" : "Zooma Marketing & Communication" } } ```