What Does Salt Do To A Car?

When temperatures allow, it is important that you clean your car off as soon as possible. As long as you live in an area with a good amount of snow, salt is the primary form of protection from the ice on the roads. While the salt does its job in making it safe to drive along the roads, it will take a toll on your car. Other than making your car look messy because of the nature of the salt, it is important that you try to clear the salt as soon as possible after the heavy snow finishes.

It does take a while for the salt to leave, but washing your car can make a difference. Some of the major auto repair in Nashua, NH that you could come across will be expensive in the long run.

Rust

Rust is unsightly and the first issue that could come from allowing salt to sit on your car for too long. Salt will corrode the paint and sit on the metal, making it weak. Once the rust begins, it will continue to erode, and you will eventually need to replace the part that rusts. Whether it is a frame or a larger piece of equipment, it will be costly.

Brake and Fuel Lines

These are two of the most likely mechanical properties in your car to get rust damage. They are close to the undercarriage of the car, which protects most of your vehicle, but there are the chances that the salt water can get in there. These are the essential pieces of the car to make it accelerate and stop. It is important that you make sure these are clean so that you aren’t dropping hundreds of dollars on auto repair in Nashua, NH because of weather.

Mufflers and Exhaust

Salt and rust harm these pieces as well. Anything exposed in any way, especially underneath your car where water tends to splash up or not regularly rinsed away, could be susceptible to the slow rust of the salt.

While many owners don’t want to wash their car every week during the winter because it will build up again, there are ways to help with the damage. It could start with just making sure that you get a good waxing a few times a year. A good waxing will make it harder for the salt and grime to get into the paint and other parts of the car.

Also, when you do go to get your car washed, try to go to a car that offers an undercarriage wash. These will help remove all the icky salt that is underneath your vehicle that is potentially corroding all of your mechanical aspects. It is a good way to avoid costly repairs later.

Of course, if you think there may be damage, bring it into the shop to see if you are alright. Then, bring it in again before winter, and maybe you can get your car prepped and ready to go.

If you are concerned about salt damage to your vehicle, call RK Auto at (603)-595-7575.