Eli5, why do destroyed tanks rust so quickly?

Question

Everytime you see footage of destroyed tanks and apcs they’re always rusted and broken down despite them being functional about a day ago not to mention no rain ever being present.

So, what causes them to rust so fast? Is it the heat from their destruction/explosion peeling off the paint or am I missing something?

In: 0

Answer 1

Not all destroyed tanks rust, but ones that had ammunition cookoff, or fires are exposed to high heat.
High heat breaks down paint, as well as speeds oxidation.

You can see the same thing happen on [car crashes](https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Range-Rover-accident-then-burnt.png?v=1644978040)( though less now due to more aluminum) or house fires were put out. Paint discolors to look rust like, or goes away entirely.

Answer 2

Not all destroyed tanks rust, but ones that had ammunition cookoff, or fires are exposed to high heat.
High heat breaks down paint, as well as speeds oxidation.

You can see the same thing happen on [car crashes](https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Range-Rover-accident-then-burnt.png?v=1644978040)( though less now due to more aluminum) or house fires were put out. Paint discolors to look rust like, or goes away entirely.