Road salt is a common sight during winter months, but it can cause significant damage to your vehicle over time. Protecting your car from road salt damage is crucial for maintaining its value and keeping it in good condition. The more time you spend outside with your vehicle, the more it is exposed. Unfortunately, the salt can corrode metal parts, ruin paint, and even rust out your car’s underbody. Do you frequently embark on road trips? Here are six ways to protect your vehicle from road salt damage.
1.Wash your car frequently
Regular washing is the best defense against road salt damage. Make sure to wash your car at least once a week during the winter months if you live in an area where road salt is used to help clear icy roads. Pay special attention to the car’s underbody, wheels, and rocker panels. Use a high-quality car wash soap to remove salt and other contaminants. Rinse the car thoroughly, especially underneath, and dry it afterward. Regular washing can help keep your car in great condition and protect it from the damaging effects of road salt.
2. Apply a rust inhibitor
Rust inhibitor is a liquid product applied to metal surfaces to protect them from rusting. It typically includes special ingredients that create a barrier to prevent water, oxygen, and other corrosive elements from coming into contact with the metal and causing rust. Rust inhibitors are especially important in areas where road salt is used to melt snow and ice, as they can quickly corrode metal surfaces. Applying a rust inhibitor to metal surfaces will help protect them from road salt’s corrosive effects and extend the metal’s life.
3. Wax your car
Waxing your car is an essential part of car maintenance. Wax helps create a protective layer between your car’s paint and the salt, preventing corrosion and rust from forming. Wax will also help to keep your vehicle looking shiny and new for longer. When applying wax, use a microfiber towel to avoid scratching the paint, and apply the wax in a circular motion. After waxing your car, it is important to rinse it off with clean water and dry it with a cloth to prevent any water spots from forming. If done properly, waxing your vehicle will help protect it against road salt’s damaging effects.
4. Invest in all-weather floor mats
All-weather floor mats are a great way to protect your car from road salt and other debris. These car mats are designed to provide superior protection from everyday wear and tear and harsh winter weather. They can also help prevent water, mud, and debris from entering your car’s interior, thus helping keep it looking new. All-weather floor mats come in various styles and materials so that you can find the perfect fit for your vehicle. Additionally, they can be easily removed and cleaned, which can help to extend their lifespan. Investing in all-weather floor mats is a great way to keep your car looking and feeling new, even during the harshest weather.
5. Store your car indoors or in covered spaces
Storing your car indoors is a great way to protect it from the weather and other elements on the road. Road salt, for instance, can cause rust on the exterior of your car and damage the undercarriage. It can also make it more difficult to keep your interior clean and debris-free. Store your car in a garage or other covered location if you are in an area with a lot of road salt. It would be best to park your vehicle in covered spaces to reduce the amount of salt that comes into contact with it, helping to prevent rust and other damage.
6. Avoid driving in bad weather
Even with all the best tips to protect your car from road salt, it can be hard to achieve the desired protection if you frequently drive in bad weather like icy conditions, rain, or snow. Road salt can cause water to build up in the car’s undercarriage, leading to rust and corrosion. For this reason, staying off the roads when bad weather strikes are best to protect your vehicle. It can be tempting to ignore all the weather signs and embark on your long-awaited trip. But for the sake of your car and your pocket, it would be best to stay put until the weather is clear.
By washing your car frequently, applying a rust inhibitor, waxing your car, investing in all-weather floor mats, and properly storing your vehicle, you can help prevent road salt damage and keep your car in top shape for years to come.
