Road Salt Car Care
In Nebraska, one of the many inevitable facts of winter is that our roads will be covered with a mixture of salt and sand. The spread helps keep roads safe when snow and ice accumulate. According to the DMV, salt lowers the freezing point of water, melting ice. The sand helps keep the salt in place and provides some traction.
But salt can be corrosive and cause rust on cars. The part of cars most exposed to road salt is the undercarriage, which includes the brake and fuel lines. Damage may not be easy to spot visually.
Know before the snow
You can take steps to prevent salt damage, just make sure you start before winter sets in.
- Wash and wax in late autumn. Thoroughly clean your car, then wax it, and then use a wax sealant. This will provide a layer of protection from the road salt. If you can get your car sparkling clean in the winter, consider re-applying the wax and sealant again.
- Get an undercoat. Some garages will offer a protective coating for the underside of your car. This can help prevent the salt from eating away at it. You also can find do-it-yourself products on the market if you’re comfortable with that.
- Plan to wash. According to AccuWeather, many car washes in the “snow belt” offer steam washes so you can spray the salt off at various points throughout the winter. Even if this isn’t an option to you, keep an eye on the forecast and plan on getting a car wash any time the temps allow it.
Road salt is a necessity to get through winter. Don’t let it eat your car.
Need auto body work? Call Great Plains Auto Body 402.334.7100
