Abstract: This invention relates in one aspect to a composition for inhibiting corrosion, such as flash rust, on metal surfaces. The composition described can include an organic acid component or a salt thereof, an azole component, an imidazoline component, a basic amine component, a phosphonate component, and a carrier including water and an alcohol such as glycol. The composition can also include surfactants, defoamers, buffers and other components as well. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating metal surfaces to inhibit corrosion, comprising the steps of mixing, diluting and contacting or otherwise applying the above composition to the metal surface by spraying, dipping, coating or other effective means.