Protect Your Car From Road Salt

The Role of Road Salt in Winter Safety

Road salt is indispensable for ensuring safe travel during winter when snow and ice create hazardous driving conditions. Introduced in the 1930s, road salt has become the most accessible and cost-effective de-icer, lowering the freezing point of water to keep roads passable.

Key Statistics

• Usage in the U.S.: Approximately 15 million tons of de-icing salt are used annually in the United States.
• Usage in Canada: Around 4-5 million tons are used each year in Canada.
• Accident Reduction: Studies indicate that the use of road salt can reduce accidents by up to 88% (source).

The Impact of Road Salt on Vehicles

While road salt is crucial for safety, it can be detrimental to your vehicle. Salt prevents snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, allowing snowplows to clear roads more efficiently. However, it also accelerates rust and corrosion, particularly on the undercarriage and exposed metal parts.

Preventive Measures

Regular Washing

• Frequency: Wash your car every 10 days during winter.
• Temperature: Ensure the temperature is above 40°F to allow the car to dry completely before freezing temperatures set in.
• Timing: Wash your car during the day to prevent locks and doors from freezing.

Post-Wash Care

• Locks and Doors: After washing, open and close all doors, the trunk, and other parts with locks several times to prevent freezing.

Avoiding Contaminants

• Rain and Snow: Wash your car immediately after exposure to rain or snow, which can carry pollutants and road salt.
• Undercarriage: Use car washes that do not recycle water to clean the underside of your vehicle thoroughly.

Driving Tips

• Puddles: Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water, which are often saturated with road salt.

Maintenance Tips

Paint and Wax

• Paint Chips: Address any paint chips larger than the tip of a pen immediately to prevent rust.
• Waxing: Apply a heavy coat of wax before winter storms to protect the paint from salt and cold temperatures. Wax your car at least every six months, and more frequently if your car is red, black, or white, as these colors are more susceptible to damage from acid rain and UV rays.

Spring Cleaning

• Post-Winter Care: When spring arrives, give your car a thorough wash to remove all road grime and salt before applying a fresh coat of wax.

Conclusion

Taking these steps can significantly extend the life of your vehicle and maintain its value. Regular maintenance and proactive care are essential to combat the corrosive effects of road salt.

For more detailed information on car care, visit AAA's Car Care Guide.

Sources

• ScienceDirect: The Effectiveness of Road Salt
• AAA: Winter Car Care

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition throughout the winter months and beyond.