Road Salt and Your Car FAQs

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Road salt is necessary to keep our roads clean and clear during ice and snow storms. You’ll see road crews spreading rock salt on city streets before, during, and after winter weather. Their goal is to keep enough of the pavement clear for better tire traction.

Despite its benefits, road salt can wreak havoc on your car. We’ll answer frequently asked questions about rock salt and how it can affect your driving and your vehicle.

Related Post: Driving in Snow FAQs

How does road salt work?

Road salt works by lowering the freezing temperature of the water to below 32 degrees when it mixes with ice or snow. Road plows have an easier time removing the slush versus packed ice or snow after the road salt works.

What is road salt made of?

Road salt is made of the exact same stuff as your table salt. It’s just the unrefined version, called halite, still in its mineral form. The unrefined form still contains impurities to give road salt a distinctive greyish-black color alongside the larger salt crystals. Not only does road salt help to melt ice and snow, but it can also provide traction due to its grit on the pavement.

Crews in the United States distribute more than 24 million tons of road salt every year to make driving on icy and snowy roads safer.

Does road salt really prevent accidents?

Road salt is definitely effective at preventing accidents.

A study done in 2015 showcases the use of road salt can reduce collisions and accidents by 88% and lower injuries by 85%. On four-lane roads, these numbers both jump to 93%.

Can road salt rust my car?

Yes, road salt can cause rust on your car over time. Modern coatings and manufacturing can slow this process. If your paint job has any nicks or scratches, salt could settle into the damage and cause rust over time because salt build-up can corrode exposed metal when it mixes with water and air. 

How does road salt rust my car?

1. Melting water from the ice and snow contacts metal car parts, particularly ones made of steel.
2. Then the road salt ions mixed with the water speed up rust formation. Even so, it usually takes years for rust to form.
3. Salt that sticks to your car’s steel parts can speed up rust formation when rain splashes underneath your vehicle.

Where can road salt damage my car the most?

Brake and fuel lines are most susceptible to rust because they’re smaller parts and close to the underside of your vehicle. The undercarriage of your vehicle gets the most road salt because the water splashes up from your tires.

How can I protect my vehicle from damage caused by road salt?

Protecting your vehicle from road salt damage is a three-phase process.

Preventing Road Salt Damage Before Winter Hits

Help your car fight the long-term effects of road salt in the autumn before road salt buildup becomes an issue.

1. Clean any leaves that might get in your engine compartment or from underneath your car. Not only can they cause stains, but any sugar leftover in the fall leaves can cause even more salt to stick to your metal parts.
2. Wash and wax your car in the fall before snow falls. Especially pay attention to the undercarriage and wash it thoroughly with a pressure washer and gentle dish soap or soap designed for vehicles. You’ll need to do this before the temperatures drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. After applying the wax coating, apply a wax sealant. The wax sealant adds another layer of protection. 
4. Look over your vehicle for any visible scrapes, chips, or rust. You need to fix these areas as soon as possible. If rust sets in, it can get under your paint job and expand over time. Yes, it could take years to see rust. However, you need to examine your paint job at least once per season.

Driving With Road Salt on the Streets

How you drive on salt-covered roads can help you keep rust and corrosion at bay. 

1. Avoid driving right before or after it snows because that’s when road crews spread salt.
2. Keep your distance when driving behind plows or trucks spreading salt on the roads.
3. Remove any ice or snow before pulling into your garage. Warm temperatures are great for you and your car’s engine but not so much for the body. Try to get all of the ice off before it gets warm.

Washing Your Vehicle During Winter Months

Even though you might not think about it, washing the exterior of your vehicle in the winter can remove any road salt buildup.

1. If you live in cold climates, wash your car at least once a week. 
2. Every two weeks, focus on power washing the undercarriage to rinse away any salt. Consider adding a fluid film coating. 
3. If you have a car that’s eight years old or older, pay particular attention. Years of driving and ordinary wear can make the effects of road salt even worse. 

After winter goes away and the spring flowers start to grow, get a thorough exterior detail done. You or a professional detailer can take a look at your car’s outer coat and undercarriage before permanently covering up any imperfections.

Related Post: Thompson Sales Discusses Tips for Winter Travel With Your Family

Need Detailing or Car Maintenance in Springfield, MO?

The team at Thompson Sales can detail your vehicle from top to bottom. We can also take care of any car service or maintenance, from brakes and tires to radiator fluid flushes and transmission service.