During the winter our streets are covered in those nasty coats of salt and sand. While it’s no fun and certainly not pretty, it does beat roads covered in ice and snow. However, this doesn’t make the salt any less damaging to your car. A salt and sand mixture is often used because salt lowers water’s freezing point, melting ice already formed even if the air temperature remains below freezing. The application of sand helps by keeping the salt in place and adding some traction to slick or slushy roads.
Prevent Salt Damage to Your Car
The salt on the roads can be devastating to your car in the form of rust and corrosion. Use these tips to protect and preserve your car as much as possible:
- Before the roads get covered with salt, you can fully wash and coat your car with wax adhered to the vehicles paint
- Seal the undercarriage with a sealing product or with the help of a professional
- Take your car to the carwash whenever possible, try to get the undercarriage cleaned
- At some point in the winter, have your car re-waxed and sealed after a wash
Remember, the brake and fuel lines under your car are particularly susceptible to rust. Keep an eye on these.
Car Washing Tips
Maybe you can’t afford a local car wash or can’t get to one in time. There is always another option although you will have to do a bit of work and brave the cold weather.
- Look at the forecast and pick a warm, sunny day (if possible)
- Wear waterproof gloves
- Start by spraying your vehicle with a garden hose (try to use a high powered one) from top to bottom
- Don’t neglect the mud and dirt in the wheel wells, under the bumpers, behind fenders and other high splash areas
- Use warm, soapy water to scrub down your vehicle with car washing soap and sponge
- Make sure to get the wheel covers, tires, outside door seals, rubber, and trim
- Dry, use a good quality spray protectant, and consider another coat of wax if it is warm enough
If your car is particularly salty, you can add a few tablespoons of baking soda to help remove it. Remember, only use soap and sponges specifically designed for cars, as other substances can strip or damage the paint.
Beaches: The Summertime Assassin
During the summer you may think you are safe from the damage from salt? This may not be true. Even if it is warm out or you live in an area which does not receive a lot of snow, you may be susceptible if you are much of a beach goer. The spray from the ocean water and the salt found the air near beaches are enough to cause rust and corrosion. Though this salt is not as concentrated as the salt poured on the roads, it is still a good idea to give your vehicle frequent washings (at least once a month).
Being prepared is one of the keys to surviving the winter in New England. Not only do you need to protect your car from the elements, you need proper insurance on your automobile. Contact TJ Woods Insurance to learn if you have enough coverage for the dangers of winter driving, and for more tips on automobile safety and preparedness. We offer the full spectrum of insurances from auto to home and business insurance.
