How Road Salt Can Damage Your Vehicle

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How Road Salt Can Damage Your Vehicle

How Road Salt Can Damage Your Vehicle | RoadRunner Auto Care

How Road Salt Can Damage Your Vehicle | RoadRunner Auto CareIt’s the middle of winter, and even though Apple Valley may not experience the severe weather common across much of the nation, parts of California, especially the mountainous areas, do receive enough snow to make for dangerous driving. While we appreciate the road salt deposited on the highways, that very same salt can damage your car. Despite its benefits, road salt contains free-radical ions that can, when coming into contact with your vehicle, create a chemical reaction that causes corrosion or rust.

Because most of your car’s undercarriage is exposed, everything in that area is especially vulnerable to damage. To make matters worse, you can’t see what’s going on underneath your car, so you’re likely to miss important signs that something might be damaged. In addition, if you neglect the undercarriage, any salt that remains stuck will eventually lead to corrosion. That’s why, after you’ve driven it through road salt, it’s important to take your vehicle to a professional to have it checked for problems.

Potential Vehicle Damage from Road Salt

There are many parts of your vehicle that can be severely damaged by road salt. Rust can harm such vital systems as the exhaust and muffler systems, the coil springs, and even the entire frame of the car. Because they’re near the undercarriage, the brake and fuel lines are particularly at risk of road salt damage. Remember, if your car’s red brake warning light illuminates, that means the fuel is low and the problem needs immediate attention. Your vehicle’s braking system is vital. If at any time there’s an issue with the brakes, bring your car to Road Runner Auto Care in Apple Valley, California, where our professional technicians can check it out and make any necessary repairs.

Some other parts of your vehicle that are vulnerable to road salt damage include the rear suspension components, the engine subframe, the shocks, and the exhaust system. For 30 years, our family-owned business has provided all levels of auto service, big and small. If you suspect any part of your vehicle may have suffered road salt damage, bring the car to Road Runner Auto Care in Apple Valley, California, where we will inspect it and make any necessary repairs to ensure you can enjoy a safe winter season of driving.