 |  | | | The joys of winter also bring along a lot of ice and snow-melting salt poured onto the roadways of the states that comprise what is known as the rust belt. While salt is an inexpensive and effective way to keep the roadways free of slippery winter buildup, the chemicals work their way up into the chassis of vehicles and promote the insidious destroyer of iron and steel known as rust.
Salt-Free
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While driving in winter is unavoidable for denizens of the rust belt, simple steps can be taken to keep rust under control. If you don't give the salt a chance to take hold, you and your vehicle can stay one step ahead of the rust. Ideally, springtime should bring flowers and sunshine, not the discovery that the only thing holding that jalopy of yours together was frozen salty ice and pop rivets.
Rust Defined
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Battling rust first means understanding it. Rust is the process of iron molecules oxidizing into iron oxide, or rust. Without going into a lesson in chemistry, the oxidation needs a transfer medium to occur, such as water. Salt in the water speeds up the oxidation process by acting as a catalyst. The problem with salt is that once the water is gone; the salt lies in wait to restart the forming of rust once more moisture is present.
Bitter Enemy
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Road salt can also work its way into electrical connectors and cause problems by interrupting the flow of electricity. Driving in the dark during winter is not the time to take a roadside crash course in Automobile Electronics 101. Salt doesn't just come from winter roads either. Salt in the air from the sea can rot radiators and wreck havoc on the steel and iron our beloved rides are constructed from.
Simple Solution
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Fortunately the solution is simple. Regular water rinsing of your vehicle during the winter months will keep the majority of the salt from checking into the rust motel. Close attention should be paid to the fender wells and undercarriage where there are plenty of nooks and crannies for salt to lie in waiting. Oddly enough, the worst time for rust is when springtime finally rolls around. Warm weather and wet rains reactivate any salt even after Old Man Winter has gone home.
Wax Prevention
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Keeping your paint in top shape is also a top line of defense against salt deposits and rust. Paint prevents rust by protecting the steel beneath it. A quality wax will keep the paint flexible and tough enough to deflect all that winter can throw at it. Any paint chips or scratches that expose the underlying steel should be touched up immediately to prevent exposure to road salt.
Watch Your Intake
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Don't forget that folks use salt to melt ice and snow on steps, driveways, and the like. Not only does salt ruin boots and fine footwear, but it also can make its way through your vehicle's carpets and work through the floor pan from the inside out! A good set of heavy rubber floor mats can keep salt and moisture from getting through your carpet and causing expensive damage.
Undercoating
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While undercoatings come in a variety of types, one must beware of sealing-in the already occurring rust process, and certainly keeping an eye out for fly-by-night dealers. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Most modern vehicles come equipped with extensive measures to combat salt and rust and some aftermarket rust-proofing can even void your warranty, so buyer beware.
Final Rinse
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With regular undercarriage rinsing and vigilant care of your vehicle's paint, you can banish the good majority of evil vehicle-destroying salt back to the earth from which it came. One final tip for those using a self- or full-serve car wash: steer clear of those that recycle water from the previous salt-encrusted vehicle. Attempting to rinse away road salt deposits with salty water is like putting out a fire with gasoline.
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