Country Hyundai

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. 

• The biggest deterrent to salt damage is to wash your car frequently. 
• Wash your vehicle every ten days or even less. 
• If the temperature is 40° Fahrenheit or above, take the time to wash your vehicle.
• The best time to wash your vehicle is during the day, so that there is time for it to dry before temperatures drop below freezing for the night.
• After washing your vehicle, open all the doors, the trunk, gas cover door, and use the locks several times before any excess water has a chance to freeze.
• Be sure to wash the undercarriage of your vehicle.  Remember, most salt corrosion happens from the inside of the vehicle!
• Wax your vehicle every six months or so to create a protective layer against acid rain/snow.  Apply a coat right before the winter months to help protect the exterior paint against salt.
• If there are any paint chips larger than the size of a pen tip, be sure to repair them before the metal oxidizes, therefore creating the opportunity for water and salt to corrode the metal from the outside.
• Avoid driving in large puddles where salt water can accumulate.⁵

 
   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.

-Heather Topolski

Country Hyundai
Greenfield, MA

December 23, 2009