When winter arrives, road crews spread salt to melt ice and snow and make travel safer for everyone. This de-icing process is essential for preventing accidents on slick, hazardous roads. While road salt is beneficial for safety, it creates the potential for corrosion on vehicles. Learn how road salt speeds up rust on cars and trucks, and keep your vehicle looking sharp until the snow and ice thaw.
The Science of Rust
Rust forms through an electrochemical process called oxidation, where iron reacts with oxygen and water. This reaction creates iron oxide, the reddish-brown substance we know as rust. Saltwater is a powerful electrolyte, dramatically accelerating the chemical reaction.
Road salt speeds up rust on cars and trucks by lowering the freezing point of water, keeping a corrosive liquid solution on its surface for longer periods. This constant exposure to a salt-rich liquid environment provides the perfect conditions for corrosion to take hold and spread across a vehicle’s metal components.
Vulnerable Vehicle Parts
Certain areas of your vehicle receive more exposure to road salt and moisture, making them susceptible to rust. The undercarriage, including the frame, exhaust system, and brake lines, gets constantly sprayed with salty slush from the roads. Wheel wells and rocker panels are also prone to damage because they trap corrosive debris kicked up by the tires.
Even small chips in the paint from road debris expose the underlying metal, creating an entry point for rust. Without rust protection, these vulnerable spots will quickly deteriorate.
Prevention Tips
Avoiding road salt during the late and early parts of the year is challenging, but you can take practical steps to protect your vehicle. Regularly washing your car, especially the undercarriage, is vital to remove salt and grime before they cause damage. Applying a quality wax over the paint job before winter provides a protective barrier against corrosive elements.
Consider applying a specialized undercoating or a high-quality rust protection paint from Eagle National for more comprehensive defense. These protective coatings create a durable seal against moisture and salt, extending the life of your vehicle’s metal parts.
Protecting your vehicle from rust is essential for maintaining its value, safety, and longevity. Cleaning your vehicle and applying protective coatings can prevent corrosion. Explore our range of rust protection paint to find the ideal solution for keeping your car or truck in top condition.