Catherine leverages her background in education and finance to write articles that help readers make informed decisions about their insurance and finances.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Winter months can be especially harsh on vehicles in cities that use road salt to prevent icy roads. Road salt lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice from forming on roads. Although helpful in making roads safer, it can cause damage to your car that can lead to costly repairs or replacements. In particular, it can erode and deteriorate your car’s frame, damage the paint and electrical connections, and more.[1]
Here‘s what you need to know about road salt damage and how to maintain your car during the winter.
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How road salt can damage cars
Road salt can cause serious damage to your car. In general, the salt corrodes metal surfaces, causing rust to form. This can weaken parts and lead to costly repairs.
The undercarriage of your car is particularly susceptible to salt damage. As you drive, salt accumulates and sticks to the metal, eventually eroding and rusting the frame of your car. Your exhaust, brakes, suspension, and electrical connections are also vulnerable.
The salt can also stick to the paint on your car, causing discoloration and paint damage. It’s not just aesthetics, either — the paint helps protect the metal underneath from rusting.[2]
How long it takes for road salt to damage a car
The extent of the damage from road salt varies depending on how much is used in your area, how often you drive, and how often you rinse off the salt. In general, rust and other damage from road salt takes a few years to show up, but the longer you leave salt on your car, the quicker rust will appear and spread.
If you live in an area with frequent snow and don’t maintain your car, you can expect to see noticeable salt erosion within one to two years.
The best way to protect your car from road salt is by applying wax and undercarriage spray before winter and washing it regularly during the winter.[3]
Does car insurance cover salt damage to cars?
No, car insurance doesn’t cover salt damage. Insurers view salt damage as normal wear and tear, and it’s up to the vehicle owner to properly maintain their car.
For example, say salt damage eroded your exhaust, causing it to leak. Your mechanic recommends you replace the exhaust, as it’s now a safety hazard. Your insurer won’t cover the replacement, since normal wear and tear caused the damage. Conversely, if a car accident caused the damage, your insurance coverage would kick in.
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How to prevent road salt damage to your car
It’s important to take steps to protect your car from road salt damage, rather than address damage after it occurs. Regularly washing and waxing your car is one of the best ways to prevent any long-term road salt damage. Doing this will help keep your car looking its best while also preserving its value over time.
1. Wash your car regularly in winter months
It’s important to wash your car regularly during winter months. Washing off the salt will help keep rust and corrosion from forming on the hidden parts of your vehicle.
2. Avoid driving after snowstorms
Avoid driving after major snowstorms when possible. Road salt can still stick to your car even after a thorough wash, so it’s ideal to wait until most of the salt has been cleared off the roads before driving. Driving after snowstorms is also a safety issue, as icy winter conditions caused nearly 500 fatal crashes in 2022.[4]
3. Protect your car with wax
Add an extra layer of protection with wax. Wax creates a barrier between your car’s metal components and the corrosive effects of road salt and other debris that may come in contact with them. Carnauba-based waxes are a good, affordable option for winter weather, but you’ll have to reapply them at least a few times during the season.
If you want a more long-term solution, ceramic coatings offer great protection against road salt and can last for years. That said, if done professionally, they can cost thousands.
4. Keep your tires clean
Road salt tends to accumulate on tire rims and rubber surfaces, so make sure you give your tires a good clean every time you wash your car. It’s also a good idea to check your tire pressure during winter months, as cold air is denser and can cause low tire pressure. Adequate tire pressure is also important to maintain your steering during the winter.
Road salt damage FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about road salt and how it affects your car.
Will road salt damage your car?
Yes. Road salt can be damaging to cars if it isn’t properly washed away. Salt can corrode metal components and create rust, which can lead to expensive future repairs. To avoid road salt damage to your car, wash it after driving in salty conditions, especially in areas where the roads are heavily salted during the winter.
How do you protect your car from road salt?
Protecting your car from road salt damage is all about regular maintenance and washing away the salt. So, after driving on a road treated with salt, clean your car yourself or at the car wash to get rid of it, especially underneath your car.
Why does salt on roads cause cars to rust?
Salt on roads causes cars to rust because it accelerates the corrosion process. The sodium and chloride ions in the salt reduce the freezing point of water, which then leads to a chemical reaction that speeds up the oxidation of metal.
This reaction is especially damaging when metal gets wet, as it often does during winter weather. As a result, cars exposed to road salt for extended periods of time can suffer from significant chassis and engine corrosion.
How does rust affect your car?
Rust affects your car in a number of ways. Surface rust is the most common type, and you can find it on scratches, nicks, and other areas where the paint has been damaged. Scale rust is more serious and can corrode through the metal, creating holes and leaving body panels weak and unstable. Rust that penetrates the surface of your car can also attack your vehicle’s frame, causing serious damage.
Is road salt bad for the environment?
Yes. Although road salt helps make roads safer for motorists, the salt can seep into waterways, which can negatively affect the environment and drinking water. Because of this, many cities are trying to cut back on using salt in an effort to mitigate its harmful effects.[5]
Will salt ruin paint on a car?
Yes. Road salt can ruin your car’s paint. Salt can stick to the surface, causing discoloration and cracking, which, in turn, exposes the metal and accelerates rusting. Waxing and washing your car can help prevent paint damage.
NHTSA. "Winter Weather Driving Tips: Prepare Your Vehicle."
Epa.gov. "Winter is Coming! And with it, tons of salt on our roads."
Catherine Collins
Catherine Collins is a freelance financial writer and author based in Detroit. She's the co-founder of MillennialHomeowner.com and MomsGotMoney.com, and author of the book Mom’s Got Money: A millennial mom’s guide to managing money like a boss. She has written for US News, Huffington Post, Money, Business Insider, Investopedia, Entrepreneur, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications. She currently resides in Detroit, Michigan with her boy-girl twins and a rescue dog named Julep.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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