CarWeb Official Blog
How to prevent rust from road salt
By Product Expert | Posted in Uncategorized on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 at 5:11 pmIn parts of the country that experience freezing temperatures, winter driving can be a real hazard. To neutralize the danger of icy roads, salt and sand or chemical spray is spread on the roads after a snowstorm. These substances lower the ice’s freezing point, causing it to melt away faster, while also providing much-needed traction for drivers. Unfortunately, there’s a downside. Road salt can wreak havoc on your car’s body, paint and undercarriage. Here are some ways to protect your car from the ravages of road salt.
Be prepared
- Before winter hits, wash your car thoroughly, covering every square inch, including underneath.
- Carefully wax your vehicle. Give it a good coat, including a wax sealant to seal the deal.
- Apply an undercarriage sealant as well. This may be a job to leave to the professionals, but you can buy a product to do it yourself.
Keep it clean
- Run your vehicle through the car wash as often as possible in winter.
- Plan car washes when the temperature rises a little above freezing, and when there’s no precipitation in the forecast.
- If you have the time and patience, you can re-wax and re-seal after every few washes.
- Otherwise, get in touch with a good car detailer. There are mobile ones who will clean your car while you’re at work.
Wash at home
- Dress warm and waterproof if you’re going to wash your car at home.
- Work from top to bottom, and get into all those hard-to-reach places where salt and slush can splash into.
- Use soap specially made for washing a car, not dish soap, which can strip wax. Use a purpose-made sponge instead of a shop rag, which may have metal shavings in it.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the water to help neutralize the salt.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap.
- Dry thoroughly.
