With winter in full swing, many states are seeing heavy amounts of snow. A common way to treat icy roads is to apply road salt, which is a low-cost way to melt snow and ice.
But when it’s time to drive on the roads, it can be hard to avoid getting salt residue on your car. VERIFY reader Valatene reached out to ask if road salt can damage vehicles.
THE QUESTION
Can road salt damage cars?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, road salt can damage cars.
WHAT WE FOUND
Road salt can cause corrosion damage to vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates $5 billion is spent annually in road salt-related repairs to cars, trucks, bridges and roads.
“Salt damages cars mostly because it reacts chemically with water and air to speed up the oxidation process that causes rust,” Progressive explains. This can lead to visible paint damage on a vehicle.
Many factors play a role in whether a car will rust easily due to salt. This includes the condition of the car, how it is stored and the climate, according to Progressive.
“Doors, fenders, hoods and tailgates are most vulnerable to rust because they retain a lot of moisture,” Nationwide adds.
Road salt can also lead to other mechanical issues, like brake deterioration and suspension decay, Endurance Warranty says. This is because these systems consist of metal components that are more susceptible to rust.
“A build of rust and corrosion can lead to reduced engine performance and electrical issues, such as difficulty starting the car or battery problems,” Endurance Warranty added.
To avoid salt damage, Progressive says to frequently wash your car, making sure there’s no salt residue in the undercarriage.
“Make sure you also dry the car well or leave it somewhere like a heated garage where it can dry effectively on its own. Leaving it wet may cause other problems if the water freezes,” the insurance company added.