Rust and Road Salt – How to Prevent the Damage

With the winter season right around the corner, it is advised to prepare and protect your car. Not only are icy roads a hassle to drive on, but car owners should be aware of the harmful effects road salt has on their vehicle. Road salt helps to ensure safe travels, but it has drawbacks. It can cause major body and undercarriage damage to your car unless it is appropriately taken care of.

Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle from rust due to road salt:

– At the end of fall, thoroughly wash every inch of your vehicle, including the underside.

– Dry the edges of the doors inside and out, including the undersides of door handles, all hinges, plus the hood and trunk edges.

– Apply a coat of wax followed by a sealant to help keep the wax adhered to the vehicle’s paint.

– Seal the undercarriage, paying closest attention to the brake and fuel lines, as these are the most susceptible items for rust and corrosion.

– Use a good quality spray protectant on all exterior rubber or vinyl surfaces.

– Throughout the winter, take your vehicle to the car wash on  a regular basis. Many car washes offer undercarriage cleaning as well.

– After each car wash, apply an additional coat of wax to all exposed metal. Use a hand-held hairdryer to warm the metal surface before applying the wax. This will help the wax better adhere to the cold metal.

Do you have rust that needs to be taken care of? We can help! Contact us today.

Similar Posts

  • Five Warning Lights You Need To Know

    It is important to know when something is not working correctly with your car. Staying alert and paying close attention to warning lights not only prevents future damage to your car, but it also ensures your own safety. Lucky for us, warning lights will pop up on the dashboard when a problem is detected. But…

  • Smart Tips for Maintaining Your 4WD or AWD Vehicle

    All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are known for their ability to provide excellent traction, stability, and control. Whether you are navigating Minnesota’s icy winter roads, heading out on a family camping trip, or managing daily commutes in challenging weather, these drivetrains give drivers extra peace of mind. With that capability comes additional complexity, which…

  • What You Should Know Before Buying a Used Electric Car

    Have you been thinking about buying an electric car? What about buying a used electric car? The idea may seem exciting, but also intimidating–particularly, if you’ve never owned an electric car before. Not to worry! At Signal Garage Auto Care, we’re here to offer you guidance on electric cars. After all, these specific types of…

  • What is Fuel Injection Service—And Why Is It Needed?

    What is Fuel Injection Service—And Why Is It Needed? The fuel injectors are critical components that play a significant role in the performance and overall functionality of your engine. Fuel injectors are responsible for converting the fuel into a high-pressure spray, which is injected into the engine’s combustion chamber.  When the fuel injectors are clean,…

  • Car Brakes: How Do You Know When to Change Them?

    Brakes are essential to your safety. So how do you know when brake pads are wearing out and need to be replaced? There are two easy ways to check for brake wear. First off, look at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel ‘s spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a…