In New Jersey, there is always a chance of snow and ice. With all the traffic, road conditions can go from perfect to hazardous, even when there isn’t a lot of snow on the ground. That is why so many municipalities in South Jersey spread salt and sand for traction. While this keeps drivers safer, it introduces another problem: rust. Salt, combined with moisture from snow and rain, accelerates corrosion on vehicles, potentially leading to costly repairs if left unchecked. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we understand how winter road conditions can damage your vehicle over time. Here’s an in-depth look at how rust forms during winter and what you can do to prevent it.
Key Takeaways
- Winter road salt mixes with moisture and oxygen, causing rust, especially on the undercarriage and wheel wells.
- Washing your car, particularly underneath, every two weeks prevents salt buildup and corrosion.
- Wax or rust-preventive sprays add a protective barrier against salt and moisture, reducing rust risk.
- Chips and scratches expose metal, leading to rust. Repair them to prevent corrosion.
- Minor rust can be sanded and painted; severe rust may need professional repair to ensure safety.
Understanding How Winter Conditions Cause Rust
Road salt, usually made from sodium chloride, is highly effective at lowering the freezing point of water and melting ice, making roads safer. However, when salt mixes with water and oxygen on your car’s metal surfaces, it accelerates rust formation. Rust, or oxidation, occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture. Salt speeds up this process, creating ideal conditions for rust to spread quickly.
While newer vehicles often come with corrosion-resistant coatings, salt can still penetrate vulnerable areas like the undercarriage, wheel wells, and exhaust system. Winter sand can also contribute to paint chipping and surface abrasions, exposing metal and creating starting points for rust. The combination of salt, moisture, and sand particles makes winter a challenging season for keeping your vehicle rust-free.
Steps to Prevent Rust During Winter
You can fight corrosion before, during, and after winter. The important things, however, happen during the winter months, when the most damage can occur. Here are some tips to help you keep rust off your vehicle:
Wash Your Vehicle Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent rust is to wash your car frequently, especially the undercarriage where salt tends to accumulate. Aim to wash your vehicle every two weeks during the winter, or more often if you’re frequently driving on salted roads. Remember to wash your car after a snowfall, particularly after temperatures warm up, as this is when salt becomes most active and corrosive.
Apply a Protective Wax or Sealant
Applying a wax or sealant before winter begins can add an extra layer of protection to your car’s paint, reducing the direct exposure of metal to salt and moisture. Many types of car wax and sealants are designed to last through harsh winter conditions, providing a buffer between your vehicle’s paint and corrosive elements.
Use Rust-Preventive Sprays
Rust-preventive sprays, often applied to the undercarriage, are specifically formulated to repel moisture and prevent salt from causing rust. These sprays are available at auto shops and are particularly useful for cars frequently exposed to winter road salt. A rust-proofing spray can be applied by a professional or as a DIY project if you have the right tools. It’s ideal to apply the spray before winter and touch it up as needed throughout the season.
Repair Paint Chips and Scratches
Small chips and scratches in your paint may seem minor, but they expose your car’s metal to salt and moisture, allowing rust to form easily. Regularly inspect your vehicle for chips and scratches, especially around the wheel wells and door edges where road debris often hits. You can use touch-up paint to seal these spots and prevent rust from starting. If you find deeper scratches, consider having them professionally repaired before winter.
Park Indoors When Possible
Parking indoors reduces your car’s exposure to salt and moisture, especially during harsh winter conditions. Garages and covered areas keep snow and ice from accumulating on your vehicle, which can prevent repeated cycles of freezing and thawing that contribute to rust formation. If parking inside isn’t an option, using a car cover can provide some additional protection.
How Can Rust Be Repaired?
Rust repair varies by the severity of the damage, but for small surface rust, sanding, grinding, and applying a rust converter can stop corrosion and restore the appearance. Once the rust is removed, priming, painting, and sealing the area help protect it from future rust. For deeper rust that penetrates the metal, like rust holes on body panels, the corroded area often needs to be cut out and replaced with a patch panel. This ensures structural integrity and is typically finished with grinding, painting, and sealing to blend with the rest of the vehicle.
For rust that affects structural components, such as the frame, professional repair is crucial to ensure the vehicle’s safety. Severe rust damage on these areas might involve welding in new metal or using braces to reinforce weak spots. Following repairs, applying a rust inhibitor or undercoating to the undercarriage is a valuable step to protect against moisture and salt, particularly in winter-prone areas. Regular rust-proofing is a good preventive measure to maintain your vehicle’s condition over time.
Need a Collision Repair Center in South Jersey?
Winter driving is challenging, but you can reduce the risk of rust damage to your vehicle by staying proactive with these protective steps. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we understand the importance of maintaining your car in all seasons. If your vehicle has been affected by rust or needs collision repairs after a winter accident, our experienced team is ready to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and drive with confidence knowing your car is prepared for winter’s challenges.