4 Ways Road Salt Can Damage Your Car’s Exterior

One of the worst threats to your car’s exterior and longevity is the salt used on the roads in icy conditions. Road salt helps melt the ice on roads, and it’s necessary to avoid accidents. Rock salt, otherwise known as sodium chloride, lowers the freezing point of water so, if there’s any ice on the road, the salt melts it immediately. Road accidents are reduced by 88% with the use of road salt, and injuries by 85%. If you live in an area that uses a lot of salt on the roads, your car is susceptible to rust, clogged engine components, and much more. Here are four ways road salt can damage your vehicle.

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1. Causes RustSteel is the alloy of iron with carbon and other elements. When water mixes with iron and oxygen, it creates iron oxide, known as rust. Salt allows electrons to move quickly during the chemical reaction, which speeds up the corrosion process. Rust usually begins on the underside of a car. When there is a lot of rock salt or brine on the road, exposed steel is susceptible to rust. Different types of car paint react to rock salt in varying ways.
   You can paint the underside of your vehicle to minimize winter damage. You should also go through the car wash to reduce the rust that develops on your car. If you can’t get to a professional washing service, give your car a rinse with clean water after every trip. Repair rust damage as soon as you can, wash and wax your car regularly, and use a great all-weather car cover to protect all the car’s parts from rust.
2. Reduces Vehicle’s PerformanceTwo places that are especially susceptible to rust and salt damage are brake and fuel lines. They are on the undercarriage of your vehicle, so the wet spray from the road hits them first. The degradation of your brake and fuel lines affects your vehicle’s performance over the long run and costs you money and time in maintenance. The other spots where you see rust are on the fenders, doors, hood, and tailgate, as these areas hold moisture more easily than others.Source: Eugen Hoppe/Shutterstock.com

1. Decreases LongevityAs rust corrodes the underside and other parts of your car, it sends you to your mechanic more frequently and reduces your car’s longevity. To keep your car running for as long as possible, invest in a quality all-weather car cover to reduce rust damage from rock salt while parked outdoors. When your car is parked, a plow or vehicle going by can douse the car’s exterior with a slurry of water and rock salt. By using an all-weather cover made from high-quality waterproof material, your vehicle remains safe from salt exposure.
2. Damages Your Car’s InteriorWhile most of the damage incurred by road salt happens to the exterior of your car, salty slush on the bottom of your boots can also stain your car carpets and seats. Salt stains are challenging to remove and become abrasive if not eliminated promptly. Invest in high-quality floor mats that are custom-fitted to the interior of your vehicle. Our floor mats are crafted from premium faux leather that not only elevates the appearance of your car’s interior, but its diamond pattern traps debris, making it easy to clean.

Why Get an All-Weather Car Cover?

Along with regular wax and washes, an all-weather car cover can protect your car from the worst of the winter weather. One of the biggest benefits of car covers is that they are portable, so, no matter where you’re going, you’ll always have protection with you. Car covers are also a one-time purchase, so there’s no need to pay for garage space and upkeep. These weatherproof protective layers save you money on mechanic’s visits and add to the longevity of your vehicle, protecting your investment.

For the best protection, choose a custom or semi-custom cover designed to fit your car’s contours perfectly. An elastic hem, adjustable straps, and vent details ensure that your car receives full protective coverage against saltwater splashes and allow moisture to evaporate quickly to prevent corrosion from occurring.

Keep Your Car Protected With A Quality Car Cover

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Protect Your Vehicle with a Quality Car Cover

Winter weather can damage your car’s exterior. Sodium chloride is an excellent deterrent to icy patches and frozen-over puddles, but it can deteriorate a polished exterior. The best way to reduce salt damage is with regular washing and storing your vehicle under an all-weather car cover. Carcovers.com provides excellent aftermarket protective covers, so your car is protected no matter the weather.