Road salt on your car?

Road salt can harm a car in many ways – and, contrary to appearances, it affects more than just the bodywork. Why should you clean salt off your car, how should you do it so as not to cause more harm than good, and what are the consequences of neglect? We answer these questions below. Road salt on a car

What damage does road salt cause?

One of salt's main properties is that it absorbs moisture from its surroundings. The accumulated water particles speed up corrosion of the surface they stick to, which affects the condition of the vehicle.

Salt can get into the air conditioning, gradually reducing its efficiency. It also affects the radiator, brake callipers, electrical system and wheels. While marks on the paintwork are visible immediately, the effects of salt on other components may appear later – and then a visit to the mechanic can be expensive.

What not to do

In sub-zero temperatures, pouring water over the car is not the best idea and can cause further damage to the bodywork. Worse still, water can freeze on the seals or in the locks, making it very difficult to open the car a few hours later.

What to do

The bare minimum is to wipe the car with a dry cloth, but in the long run this is not very convenient. People with a garage and slightly warmer conditions have it easier, but even then, without the right water pressure, it is hard to reach all the places where salt may have settled.

The best solution is still to use a car wash. Heated water is not a problem for the bodywork, and thanks to the right cleaning agents the salt is actually removed from the vehicle rather than just dissolved on it.

Don't stop at washing

After washing the vehicle, it is worth applying wax. It helps protect the car against a new layer of salt settling in place of the one you have just removed.

Don't skimp

Or rather, don't fall for false savings. If you think it is enough to get rid of the salt once or twice a winter, remember that the amount you will later spend at the mechanic's may be much higher than the price of several car washes. You also save time and avoid unnecessary stress.

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