51445 Corridor Dr, Shelby Twp, MI 48315
Icy winters come with dreaded slick road salt. However, the icy streets aren’t the only concern for car owners. Road salt is essential for safe travel, but it can wreak havoc on your vehicle if you’re not proactive about protection. Continue reading to learn how to protect your car from salt damage this winter.
How Salt Can Damage Cars
Salt is a silent menace to vehicles during winter. It may seem harmless, but it can cause significant harm if left on the surface of a vehicle. Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which melts ice on the roads. This same property makes it corrosive to the metal components of your car.
Firstly, salt can corrode the vehicle’s undercarriage. The undercarriage is the most commonly affected area because it’s the closest to the road where road salt resides. Salt and moisture combine to form a slushy solution that clings to cars’ metal surfaces. Over time, this mixture eats away at the metal, leading to structural damage.
Secondly, salt can damage the car’s paint and finish. When salt lands on the surface of the vehicle, it can scratch the paint. The vulnerable surface allows road salt and moisture to seep in, accelerating the rusting process. This affects cars’ outward appearance, resale value, and safety.
Lastly, salt can damage various car components, including brakes, fuel lines, and exhaust systems. These critical metal parts are susceptible to corrosion. If these parts become compromised, cars are more likely to suffer from damage that causes costly repairs and safety concerns.
Signs of Salt Damage
Recognizing salt damage early can prevent more extensive problems. There are several signs that indicate impairments from salt exposure.
The first sign is rust. Rust can appear anywhere on cars. However, the most common areas include the underbody, wheel wells, and lower door panels. If you notice reddish-brown spots in these areas, it signals that rust is present.
Another sign is peeling or bubbling paint. When salt penetrates the surface of the paint, it can cause it to lift or peel away. This indicates that the protective layer has been compromised, and moisture can easily reach the metal underneath.
Finally, watch for noises or changes in performance while driving, including braking and handling. If the brakes start to make unusual sounds or feel different when pressing the pedal, it could mean that road salt corroded some of the metal components.
Protect Your Vehicle From Salt Damage
Now that we’ve covered the potential damage salt can do, let’s discuss how to care for your vehicle. Implementing a few proactive measures can go a long way. Here are the best ways to keep your car safe from the harmful effects of road salt.
Wash the Car Regularly
Regular car washes are crucial during the winter months. Rinse off your car after a snowstorm or after driving on roads with salt. This simple act can remove salt residue that accumulates on your vehicle. Pay close attention to the undercarriage because it’s extremely prone to damage.
Professional car washes commonly offer undercarriage treatments that blast away the salt. If you prefer to wash your car at home, ensure you rinse all areas thoroughly, especially the hard-to-reach places where salt can hide.
Apply a Ceramic Coating
Before winter arrives, consider applying a ceramic coating to your car. Ceramic coatings create a durable protective layer over your car’s paint, making it harder for road salt and other corrosive materials to stick. It might seem like an extra step, but a ceramic coating can significantly enhance your car's protection and keep its exterior looking great through the harsh winter months.
Choose a professional application to ensure the ceramic coating is applied correctly for the best results. Make sure to select a high-quality coating that offers durable, long-lasting protection.
Use an Undercoating
Undercoating is another effective way to shield your car from salt damage. This process involves applying a protective layer to the undercarriage to prevent salt and road grime accumulation. Professional undercoating services offer various options, including oil-based and rubberized coatings.
While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, investing in undercoating can prevent more costly repairs in the future. Undercoating also adds an extra line of defense against the corrosive effects of salt.
Check and Maintain Seals
Maintaining your car’s seals is an overlooked aspect of salt damage prevention. Ensure that the seals on your doors and windows are intact. Salt and moisture can seep into these areas, leading to rust and other issues.
Regularly inspect these seals and replace any that appear worn or damaged. This simple maintenance task prevents salt from reaching areas that are prone to rust and difficult to clean.
Add Mud Flaps
Installing mud flaps is another practical step to protect your vehicle from salt damage. Mud flaps reduce the amount of salt that splashes onto the vehicle’s wheel wells and undercarriage. Not to mention, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Your vehicle will benefit from this small investment by upholding the car’s appearance and functionality.
Drive at a Safe Distance
When driving in winter conditions, it’s important to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Keeping a reasonable distance reduces the amount of salt hitting your vehicle and minimizes the risk of accidents. It also gives you better visibility and reaction time when navigating icy roads.
Inspect and Clean the Undercarriage
Regular inspections of the car’s undercarriage can catch salt build-up before it becomes a problem. Make it a routine to check for salt accumulation and clean it off thoroughly.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider taking your car to a professional detailer. They have the tools and expertise to clean the underbody properly.
Store the Car in a Garage
Whenever possible, store your car in a garage. Parking indoors minimizes exposure to salt and moisture, reducing the risk of salt damage.
If you don’t have a garage, consider buying a car cover to safeguard the vehicle from the elements.
Protect Your Car With K&D Auto Spa This Winter
Protecting your car from salt damage during winter is essential for maintaining its longevity and performance. Regularly washing your vehicle, applying wax, and considering measures like undercoating can save you from costly repairs in the future.
Safeguard your car from winter’s wrath and enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is ready to tackle the elements. Contact K&D Auto Spa today for professional auto detailing. Your car deserves the best care, and we’re here to help!
Founded in 2022, K&D Auto Spa is always working to provide the perfect auto detailing experience to all cars, trucks, and SUVs driven in the Shelby Township, Michigan area. Covering the needs drivers have for their rides in both Macomb and Oakland Counties, we step out from the rest of the automotive detailing facilities by making the promise that our vehicle detailers will treat what you drive with dignity and respect. Contamination or surface defects that plague your automobile will be gone with our professional car care services, thereafter protected by the hydrophobic security of ceramic coatings. K&D Auto Spa touches on all aspects of proper vehicle maintenance and improvement!
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51445 Corridor Dr, Shelby Twp, MI 48315
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