NEW PRODUCTS FEATURED AT SEMA 2001
By: Mike Kowdley   Last Edited: 2001-Nov-03 12:00

Each year the SEMA show has provided the automotive world a peak at new parts and accessories that could become the "next big thing" in vehicle customization, and the 2001 show was no exception. Vendors large and small from all over the world show off their new products to drum up consumer enthusiasm as well as to get the attention of manufacturers and distributers. While there's no chance of covering each of the hundreds of booths at the SEMA show, here's a quick sampling of products I saw.

CounterAct : Protect Your Vehicle From Rust

Targeted towards industrial vehicles, consumer vehicles, and even stationary equipment, the CounterAct Eletrostatic Corrosion Control product uses patented state of the art corrosion control technology to reduce corrosion migration around stone chips, small dents, and scratches. The process is called "capacitive coupling", and essentially creates an electric charge over your entire vehicle body, thus reducing the ability of oxygen to attack exposed iron in the vehicle. (Click here for technical info on the rusting process at CounterAct's website)

CounterAct's benefits are best realized in corrosive environment, such as any coastal area or region where road salt is used. You don't hear much about problems with body rust here in San Jose but CounterAct says they've had incredible success in coastal areas such as Australia, where the majority of folks live close to the ocean and deal with rusting vehicles as a recurrent problem.

The CounterAct system connects with your vehicle electrical system and therefore drains your battery over time. I was told it has the intelligence to disconnect from your vehicle battery and shut itself off before the battery charge gets too low to start the engine. Using about as much electricity as an LED clock, it can protect a unused vehicle for several weeks before shutting off. Solar cells are available for unlimited protection.

Two things impressed me about CounterAct. First, the technology, covers every part of your vehicle that's grounded electrically to the body, including all metal body panels, any bolts and nuts that contact the body, as well as your exhaust system, power train, etc. Contrast this with a spray-on solution, which could miss spots or wear off over time. With CounterAct you're assured continuous coverage of all parts of the vehicle. Second, I was impressed by the depth of testing that had been done by independent laboratories on the product and the number of positive experiences CounterAct customers have had. I was told about an industrial application that increased the life of its equipment from 18 months to 43 months with the use of CounterAct. Sounds like this product is a lot more than just hype.

CounterAct can be reached online at http://www.counteractrust.com or by phone at 1-800-603-8451.