As winter arrives, road maintenance crews across the country prepare to battle icy conditions with their most effective weapon: salt. While this practice undoubtedly prevents many accidents, it’s not without its drawbacks, particularly for cars, especially classic and high-performance cars. Let’s explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of road salt and cars and the best way to prevent road salt damage.
The Good: Keeping roads safe
The primary benefit of using salt on roads during winter is undeniable – it significantly improves road safety. Here’s how:
- Lowering the freezing point: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation on roads.
- Melting existing ice: It helps break down ice that has already formed, making roads less slippery.
- Improved traction: The gritty texture of salt provides additional traction for vehicles.
- Reduced accidents: Studies have shown that proper use of road salt can reduce winter road accidents by up to 88%.
The Bad: The hidden costs to your vehicle
While salt keeps us safe on the roads, road salt can cause a number of issues with cars. Here’s how salt damages vehicles:
- Rust and corrosion: Most cars are made from steel, which is highly susceptible to rust when exposed to salt. Over time, this can lead to structural weaknesses in your vehicle.
- Damage to undercarriage components: Salt can accelerate wear on suspension bushings, brake lines, and exhaust systems.
- Paint damage: As well as loose pieces chipping the car, salt can also eat away at your car’s paint.
- Electrical system issues: Salt water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so it could even cause short circuits in your car’s electrical system.
The Ugly: Long-term effects
The impact of road salt extends beyond immediate vehicle damage:
- Decreased vehicle lifespan: Regular exposure to road salt can significantly shorten a vehicle’s usable life.
- Increased maintenance costs: Combating salt damage to cars often requires more frequent repairs and maintenance.
- Environmental concerns: Salt runoff can contaminate waterways and harm wildlife.
- Infrastructure damage: Roads, bridges, and other structures also suffer from prolonged exposure to salt.
Protecting Your Investment
Given the potential for damage, what’s the best way to prevent road salt damage to cars? Here are a few tips:
- Wash your car regularly during winter months, paying special attention to the undercarriage.
- Apply a protective wax coating before winter begins.
- Avoid driving immediately after roads have been salted when possible.
- Consider using rubber floor mats to protect your car’s interior from salt tracked in on shoes.
At Windrush Storage, we understand how road salt affects cars, whether it’s off the road entirely or still being used to ensure it remains protected from the harsh effects of road salt. Whenever it is returned from use, we can ensure a full clean is carried out, inspect your car for any damage and have anything repaired if needed. We also carry out regular maintenance checks.
Our climate-controlled facilities and expert care mean your vehicle will be in pristine condition when spring arrives, ready for you to enjoy without the worry of winter wear and tear. Contact us today to learn more about our concierge service.
