Ways to Prevent Rust From Road Salt

Road salt helps keep us safe as we travel local roads and highways in poor weather conditions—but it sure can do a number on our vehicles. Salt is used because it lowers the water’s freezing point, melting any ice that has formed and preventing further ice buildup. Unfortunately, salt can cause corrosion and rust on your vehicle, particularly on your car’s exposed undercarriage.

It can be helpful to file these prevention tips away for next season to avoid any future salt damage.

How to Prevent Rust on Your Car From Salt

• Wash your car after a snow storm.
This may seem obvious, but it does help to wash the salt off of your car as soon as possible. Sometimes we think it isn’t worth it to wash our car in the middle of winter; after all, it will just get dirty again, right? Post-snow storm washes aren’t really for cosmetic reasons; they are preventative care for your car. Don’t forget to spray the undercarriage!

• Stick to a regular car wash schedule.
Even when there isn’t a major snow storm event, road salt is still used to prevent ice buildup on roads and in parking lots. Try to wash your car every 2 weeks, at the least—and take advantage of days when the temperature is above 40 degrees as prime opportunities for a wash.

• Try not to follow the plow.
That moment when you find yourself driving directly behind a plow is the worst. You’re probably cringing as you hear the salt pinging against your car. If you have the option, change course to avoid being directly behind the plow.

• On that note, steer clear of puddles.
Salt tends to collect in pools of standing water, so when you can, avoid giving your car a “salt bath” by driving through a puddle.

• Wax your car before winter.
Wax is a great way to give your car a strong protective coating against road salt.

• Get a seasonal car inspection.
A certified auto technician can identify areas of wear and tear before the winter season, helping you take steps to prevent further rust buildup and corrosion once the snow and ice arrive.

TIPS

How to Prevent Car Rust

As you can see, rust on a car can be a very serious issue. This is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent car rust. Luckily, keeping your vehicle rust-free is pretty easy. Start with these five tips.

1. Wash Your Car Frequently

One of the easiest ways to prevent rust on a car is to wash it often. Not only will it keep your car looking shiny and new, but it will also remove corrosive debris, salt, and grime.

It’s important not to wait for your car to look dirty before washing it. The elements that attack your car’s paint aren’t visible to the naked eye, so by the time you can see that you’re due for a wash, some damage has already occurred.

While any type of car wash is better than not washing your car at all, a high-pressure cleaner is the most effective. This will allow you to easily clean tricky areas – like your undercarriage and the inside of your wheel arches. For the best protection, plan to wash your vehicle once a week and have it professionally cleaned every few months.

2. Don’t Forget the Wax

To keep your car in the best possible condition and prevent rust from forming, you’ll want to wax it at least twice a year. This adds another layer of protection between your car’s paint and rust-causing moisture. If you’re not storing your car in a garage, you’ll need to wax it even more often to make up for the extra exposure to the elements.

It’s easy to wax your car on your own, but if you don’t have the time, consider adding a hand wax when you take it for professional cleaning.

3. Apply a Rust Coating

If you’re already having problems with rust or you live in a harsh environment, it’s a good idea to have a protective rust-proof coating applied by a professional. Since exposure to salt is one of the primary causes of rust, this is even more important if you live by the ocean or the gulf. In areas where salt is frequently applied to icy roads, rustproofing can also make a major difference.

If you have a short-term lease or don’t plan to keep your car for long, then you can probably skip the rustproofing. However, if you plan to hold onto your vehicle for the long haul, this is definitely worth considering.

4. Protect Your Car from the Elements

Constant exposure to sun, rain, and snow can do a number on your car. If you want to avoid rust, you really should park it under cover. If your home doesn’t already have a garage, consider adding one. A portable garage is an affordable option that’s ideal for those who rent their homes, on a tight budget, or don’t have a lot of space. A steel garage is an excellent option for a homeowner who has room to spare, is looking for a permanent option, and wants to save money on a new structure.

5. Repair Rust Before It Spreads

It’s a good idea to give your car a once-over each time you wash it. Keep an eye out for any paint damage or small spots of rust. When checking your car, also pay close attention to the condition of drain holes, water channels, and seals. If moisture collects here, rust can start to form unseen.

Any time you notice a possible sign of rust, it’s important not to let it go. Taking care of it before it spreads can save you a lot of time and thousands of dollars in future repairs.

TIPS