Invisible danger: This is how road salt damage can be prevented

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Now, when temperatures dip below freezing and the roads become icy again, we’re grateful for maintenance services to spread salt. While this makes traffic safer, road salt can have negative effects on some components of our vehicles. If you don’t react, you run the risk of damaging your car in the long run.

Corrosion accelerates

The biggest danger posed by road salt is accelerated corrosion. The most vulnerable area is the underside of the vehicle, which is often exposed to salt. Rust can damage the chassis. This is especially a big problem if salt sticks to the vehicle for a long time. This is especially important to keep in mind for older vehicles whose lining no longer provides adequate protection.

Suspension and brakes are also components at risk from salt. Corrosion is particularly dangerous for these components because a deterioration in their function can greatly affect driving behavior. This, combined with unsafe winter road conditions, results in an increased risk of accidents.

Paint damage is less dangerous but unfortunately more noticeable. Salt shouldn’t pose too much of a problem in modern cars. However, if the paint already has scratches and cracks, salt can make them worse. Essentially, corrosion can occur anywhere metal is exposed and is accelerated by salt. To counter this, the following measures are sufficient.

The simplest solution to salt is to make regular trips to the car wash. If possible, the vehicle should be washed once a week in winter to remove salt.

When small scratches and cracks in the paint are repaired, the salt does not have any attack points on the surface. Rusty areas on the rest of the car should also be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent major damage.

You can also protect the paint from dirt and road salt with a wax seal before the winter months. The underbody of the car can also be relined if necessary.

In the spring, when the snowstorms are over and the roads are clear again, it is worth inspecting the car thoroughly. Since there is no more salt on the roads, the underbody can be thoroughly washed to remove the last traces of salt. Once you’ve done this, you can start the warm season carefree.

Source: Blick