How Bad is Road Salt for Your Car and What Drivers Should Know

During the winter months, road salt is a common sight as it helps melt ice and snow on roadways. While it is essential for safe driving, road salt can have detrimental effects on your car. Here, we’ll explore the impact of road salt on cars and provide tips on how to prevent road salt damage.

What is Road Salt and How Does it Affect Your Car?

Road salt is a mixture of sodium chloride (table salt) and other chemical additives. It’s specifically used to lower the freezing point of water, turning ice and snow into slush to reduce the risk of sliding.

As vehicles drive over snowy or icy roads, the friction from the tires heats the snow, turning it into water. The water then dissolves the salt, creating a saline solution called brine. Brine has a lower freezing temperature than pure water, which melts ice buildup and helps prevent it from reforming, keeping the roads safer for motorists.

The Damaging Effects of Salt on Vehicles

You may be wondering, does road salt damage car paint? The answer is yes. Despite its benefits for winter driving, road salt can have an adverse effect on vehicles.

When road salt contacts your car, it can cause corrosion and damage to various parts. The undercarriage is particularly vulnerable as salt accumulates and remains in contact with metal surfaces. Over time, this exposure can lead to rusting and deterioration of the car's frame and components.

Road salt can also damage the paint and body of your car. Salt crystals can stick to the surface, causing discoloration and leading to paint damage if not promptly removed. Common damage caused by road salt includes rusted brake rotors, corroded exhaust systems, damaged suspension components, and weakened electrical connections. The severity of the damage depends on factors such as the amount of salt used in your area, frequency of exposure, and how well you maintain your car during winter.

Spotting Salt Damage on Your Car

While some damage, like chipping paint, is evident, other forms of salt damage might be more subtle. Here’s how to recognize salt damage to your vehicle:

Discoloration: Notice any unusual discoloration on your car's body? That might be the early stages of salt damage.

Rust Spots: Small brown spots, especially near the base of doors or wheel wells, indicate rusting, which can destroy your car’s body over time. Learn more about what causes rust on cars.

Chipping Paint: Salt could be the culprit if you notice areas where your car's paint is bubbling or chipping away.

Steps to Prevent Salt Damage

Given the potential harm, you probably want to know how to prevent salt damage to your car. Take these precautions:

Wash Your Car Frequently: Regularly washing your car at one of our Take 5 Car Wash locations, with a particular focus on the undercarriage, helps prevent salt accumulation on its exterior.

Get it Waxed: A wax job adds an extra layer of protection between road salt and your car’s paint.

Cover Your Windshield’s Wiper Blades: This prevents the blades from deteriorating and scratching your windshield.

Stay Away from Snowbanks: Parking near or brushing against snowbanks can introduce more salt to your car's surface.

Proper Car Maintenance During Winter

1. Fluid checks: Regularly check and top up your car's fluids, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, to ensure optimal performance in cold weather.

2. Tire care: Monitor your tire pressure and tread depth regularly. Properly inflated tires with good traction are essential for safe driving on salted roads.

3. Professional inspections: Schedule regular inspections with a trusted mechanic to identify any potential salt damage or other issues that may arise during winter.

By following these tips, you can effectively spot and prevent salt damage, keeping your car looking great and running smoothly throughout the winter season.

Give Your Car the Protection It Deserves with Maaco

Now that you know how bad salt is for your car, you’ll need to take steps to protect it during the winter. At Maaco, we offer paint job services designed to keep your car's exterior in excellent condition, shielding it against the harmful effects of road salt. Protect your investment and maintain the look of your vehicle by opting for our trusted services.

Now that you know how bad salt is for your car, you’ll need to take steps to protect it during the winter. At Maaco, we offer car paint services designed to keep your car's exterior in excellent condition, shielding it against the harmful effects of road salt. Protect your investment and maintain the look of your vehicle by opting for our auto body and painting services.