Wintery weather conditions usually mean the Department of Transportation rolls out its deicing equipment. In NC, this usually means spraying the road with brine, a solution of water and salt. While deicing chemicals are great for keeping the roads free from ice, they are quite damaging to vehicles. Some surveys indicate drivers pay an estimated $3 billion annually in rust repairs. To protect your vehicle, you may be looking for the best salt remover for cars.

Deicing Chemicals And Rust

Usually, municipalities use one of 3 types of salt in their brine mixture: sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride. One of the characteristics of these salts is the ability to lower the freezing point of water. Thus, roads treated with brine won’t freeze even though the temperature reads 32 degrees F. Of course, less ice on the road keeps motorists safer.

However, salt is extremely corrosive to metal, especially iron. Moreover, iron is the main ingredient in steel, the primary metal automakers use in making cars. Although manufacturers combine iron with other elements for strength and resistance to corrosion, it’s not immune to rusting.

Furthermore, as you drive over brined roads, the mixture can splash up into the underside of your car. With all types of crevices underneath, deicing chemicals can begin rusting without you knowing it.

Parts Susceptible to Rusting

Although your car can begin to rust anywhere there’s metal, the undercarriage is particularly vulnerable. Yet, washing this area is difficult. Low to the ground with hidden crevices, it can be difficult to remove all the salt at home.

Generally, automakers locate several important components on the undercarriage. The proximity of these parts to the road leaves them susceptible to an accumulation of salt. If you fail to properly clean your undercarriage, you may experience corrosion on any or all of these parts:

1. Brakes

Rust can form on pads and rotors affecting stopping performance. Moreover, deicing chemicals can corrode brake lines, the part that transfers pressure from the master cylinder to the wheels.

2. Exhaust Components

Your car’s exhaust system is responsible for removing, altering, and directing harmful gas byproducts out of the car. Unfortunately, much of your car’s exhaust system lies underneath the vehicle, exposed to deicing chemicals. Corrosion of any exhaust parts can let harmful fumes into your car’s cabin.

3. Suspension

A vehicle’s suspension system keeps it stable by absorbing energy, transferring weight, and maximizing wheel-to-road contact. Since all parts of the suspension are metal, all are subject to rusting.

4. Frame

Supporting the car’s weight, the frame is the primary load-bearing component. Any rusting here will affect the vehicle’s structural integrity.

A Professional Undercarriage Car Wash Offers The Best Protection

Undoubtedly, it’s seemingly impossible to avoid deicing chemicals especially if you live in NC. Warnings of snow or ice send crews to the roadways to prepare before the storm. So, if you can’t avoid getting salt on your car, is there anything you can do to protect it?

Accordingly, you must educate yourself on how to wash salt off undercarriage properly. However, using your outdoor spigot during the wintertime is a recipe for disaster. Often, an exposed outdoor faucet can cause rupturing of pipes inside the home. Instead, sometimes car owners will connect a hose to an inside faucet. Yet, you must still endure freezing temperatures and an abundance of small, hard to reach areas.

Alternatively, you can bring your car to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville’s Turbo Wash. Our packages include an undercarriage wash and begin at just $8. An undercarriage wash cleans dirt and contaminants from beneath your car, getting all those hard-to-reach crevices.

Moreover, we can have your exterior thoroughly washed in just a few minutes. We use premium products like Rain-X®, Armour-All®, and Black Magic®. Plus, you can purchase monthly passes for those times you need to wash your car more frequently. This is especially beneficial for those winter months when your vehicle repeatedly comes in contact with deicing chemicals.

Salt Remover For Cars – FAQs

Have we convinced you that the best salt remover for cars is a car wash facility? If not, we’d be happy to answer any of your questions. Just call us at 336-993-7697 and one of our friendly staff will help you. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about our company and car washing.

Does Salt Away® Work On Cars?

Salt Away® is a product used to dissolve and remove salt from many surfaces. Originally, the company developed it to flush salt from marine engines. This biodegradable, non-hazardous, and water-based product soon expanded to other applications including automotive.

While Salt Away® is safe to use on cars, it has some limitations. First, the manufacturer recommends that you first clean the area before applying the product. Thus, you still need to wash your undercarriage. Plus, you must spray it up into the crevices where salt can accumulate. Missing any spots can allow rust to gain a foothold.

What Is The Best Cleaner To Remove Salt?

Any car wash soap available at your local retailer will remove salt along with dirt and other contaminants.

Where Can I Find Xpress Lube’s Car Wash?

You can find our modern car wash facility on our auto repair shop property at 725 Hwy 66 South Kernersville. Our car wash is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. On Saturdays, you can wash your car from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We’re even open on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What Else Should I Do to Winterize My Car?

Looking for other winterizing tips for your car? Check out our blog for ideas on preparing your car for winter.

If you’ve recently driven over brined roads, stop by the best salt remover for cars, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.