How Road Salt Can Affect The Undercarriage Of Your Car

Salt can help melt dangerous ice on the roads, but it can also wreak havoc on your vehicle’s undercarriage. When road salt accumulates on the underside of your car, it can cause rust spots and damage various mechanical parts. Here’s what you need to know to protect your vehicle.

5 winter car maintenance tips

Here are five steps you can take to limit salt buildup on your vehicle’s undercarriage:

1. Repair existing rust spots before winter

Inspect the undercarriage of your vehicle for rust spots and address them immediately. If left untreated, rust can spread and cause significant damage to your vehicle’s body structure. After sanding them down, you can treat small rust spots with a rust inhibitor. However, large rust spots may require cutting out and repairing with a patch or a new metal piece. This process should be done by experts trained in vehicle frame and support repairs and integrity.

2. Wash your car regularly

Regularly washing your car is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect it from road salt damage. Ideally, you should wash your car every seven to 10 days if you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall. Remove dirt and debris from the undercarriage, heels, rocker panels and other hard-to-reach areas.

3. Apply rust inhibitor

Road salt can quickly accumulate on your car’s undercarriage and cause significant damage to the fuel lines, brake lines and other metal parts. It’s a good idea to invest in a professional rust-proofing treatment to create a barrier between your car’s underside metal surface and the salt.

4. Drive mindfully

While you can’t always avoid driving on roads treated with de-icing salt, you can drive mindfully to limit exposure. Avoid driving over standing water and deep snow whenever possible, as road salt tends to collect in these areas.

5. Keep salt outside

Finally, remember to shake out your shoes before entering your vehicle to prevent road salt from making its way inside. Over time, road salt can permanently stain and damage your carpet and floor mats. By taking a little extra care, you can keep your car looking great for years to come.

Auto Repair And Snow Tires In B.C. And Alberta

 At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, we offer a range of general maintenance services to ensure your car is in top condition all winter. We offer tune-ups and oil changes and can install snow tires on any make and model. We can also check your battery, brakes and heating system to ensure they function properly. Contact us today to book an appointment and give yourself peace of mind during this snowy season.