Protecting your car from road salt is essential to prevent your car components from developing rust and corrosion. This is important especially if you’re often exposed to driving under the harsh winter conditions. Taking care of your vehicle can ensure its longevity especially if you are thinking of reselling it in the future.
First, let’s try to understand what road salt is all about. A road salt is the most convenient and cost-effective way to deice the snow on the road. This helps any road become passable and safer for drivers. However, road salt also causes rust and corrosion in your vehicle.
Road salt still remains to be the number one choice in melting the ice. Sand may provide traction but it will not melt the ice.
In this regard, here are some tips on how you can protect your vehicle from road salt.
- Wash your car.
The easiest way to get rid of road salt in your car is to wash your car with the KevianClean Car Wash Shampoo. Don’t let the salt sit too long in your vehicle. Otherwise, any salt residue can speed up the development of rust, damage your car’s finish, and mess up the mechanism of your vehicle.
Bring your car to a car wash service and have them clean the chassis of your vehicle. Make sure your car wash is well-equipped and is capable of spraying water and cleaning your undercarriage effectively.
- Use rubber car mats.
Rubber car mats help protect your floorboards from snow, mud, salt, and water in your shoes. Salt can speed up the deterioration of your car interior.
Pick a winter floor mat made with rubber and high sidewalls. Since regular rubber mats have low sidewalls, this means that salt and other contaminants can freely flow into your car’s interiors.
- Apply a sealer to your driveway.
Salt residue in your vehicle can eventually make its way to your driveway. You can protect your car and driveway by applying a commercial grade sealer. Use a petroleum or an oil based sealer for asphalt surfaces and high gloss sealer for concrete paths.
This extra coating can effectively protect your car from rust and corrosion. Apply this treatment at least once a year.
- Use a sealant treatment.
Sealants act as a protective shield against road salt. Before applying a sealant, make sure your car is clean and dry. It may be more expensive compared to oil sprays but is very effective.