Pennsylvania winters can be unpredictable, but one thing we can predict is the use of road salt on Pennsylvania roads. Road salt, sometimes called rock salt, is used to prevent ice from forming on roads, driveways, and parking lots. While this can make for safer driving conditions, it can also increase the risk of rust and other damage to your vehicle.
How can road salt damage vehicles?
Road salt often comes in the form of sodium chloride. This chemical compound works to lower the freezing point of water, meaning that once melted, any ice or snow that mixes with road salt will stay melted. The slush created by snow and road salt, sometimes called brine, can cause damage to your car.
The most common problem caused by road salt is corrosion. When it mixes with water, road salt can eat away at the undercarriage of your car and create rust. This can compromise the structural integrity of your car’s body and lead to further, costly damage. In addition to the undercarriage, your vehicle’s brakes, exhaust, and metal body panels are also put at risk from exposure to road salt.
Preventing Road Salt Damage
One way to prevent road salt damage is to regularly wash your vehicle. You should pay special attention to washing the undercarriage and wheel wells but keeping road salt off of your car’s paint is also important. Use a car wash formula designed to remove road salt. It’s generally a good idea to wash your car every one to two weeks to prevent corrosion and protect your undercarriage, but the frequency will vary depending on how much road salt your car is exposed to.
Another way to protect your car from road salt is to apply a rust inhibitor spray. This can coat your undercarriage in a protective barrier that will keep road salt and other debris from damaging the vulnerable metal components of your car. You may also be able to utilize mud flaps and splash guards.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for help.
At Restored Auto, LLC, we offer rust inhibitor frame spray. We can also provide you with regular maintenance to monitor your brakes, exhaust, and other vulnerable areas to ensure that any potential damage is detected early and resolved quickly. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
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