PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
AGAINST ROAD SALT
During the winter months, road salt is a savior for many drivers. The salt-and-sand combinations used by many communities, when applied within a few hours after a snow storm, reduce accidents by as much as 88.3%, according to a study done by Marquette University.1 When salt is added to the road ways, it's molecules prevent the water molecules from creating the solid bond created when water freezes.2 The sand helps to keep the salt on the roadway, and to provide some traction. While it does improve roads, salt does not create perfectly safe roadways; there is always the chance for an accident, and safe driving practices must always be observed on wet and slushy roads.
When a vehicle rusts, generally it is rusting from the inside of the vehicle to the outside, where there is not any paint to protect the metal. This is why you will see paint bubbles on the outside of a car before any rust. When salt and water are in contact with the various metals of a vehicle, the salt and water molecules will cause the metals to oxidize at a quicker pace. With the average cost of a vehicle being $26,300 in the second quarter of 20093, and with the average cost per mile at $0.544, it is important to maintain your investment during the winter months, when road salt is used most prevalently.
Here are some tips and tricks to follow during the winter months to help ease road salt corrosion on a vehicle.
Rust proofing a new vehicle immediately after purchase is another option. This should not be done to used vehicles because the process can trap dirt and excess moisture, therefore causing increased corrosion. By following these tips, your investment will stand with you for as it is needed.
~Check out more information on how to protect your investment (click on picture below) with Xzilon, the Ultimate Auto Protection; it's an exterior, fabric, carpet, vinyl and leather protector to help save the life or your vehicle!
-Heather Topolski
Country
Greenfield
December 23, 2009
Sources:
2. Senese, Fred. "Why Does Salt Melt Ice." General Science Online!. 07 31 2007.
3. Calogera, Stephen. "Average price of a vehicle purchased in the 2nd quarter was $26,300." egmCarTech. 08 19 2009. Comercia Bank, Web.
4. "Your Driving Costs." AAA Association Communication 2009: 2. Web.
5. "Protecting Your Car From Road Salt." Autotropolis. 2008. Autotropolis, Inc., Web.
45 Colrain Rd.
Greenfield, MA 01301