I'm going to make an engine cover for mine - this is what I found on my 2020 GDi with 9300 miles on the clock! The rusted plug is at the radiator end of the engine. I always put an old heavy towel on the engine when washing tha car and try to minimise the amount of water getting through the louvres. Part of me thinks the rusted plug wasn't fitted correctly at manufacture.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.tm-img.com/images/2023/12/21/plugs.md.jpeg)
I agree the plug can't have been fitted correctly but there must have been some water ingress to get rust, very odd it's only the 1st plug. Other than washing the worst time for water getting in via the louvers is when the car is parked especially for long periods say in Hotel car park, I use a Storm cover when parking overnight and there is a chance of rain. The only other thought I had was maybe condensation but I'm guessing, others may be able to say if that's a possibility.
