Vehicle preparation helps prevent rust and corrosion in winter

By Charles Christian

Winter is coming, so it is important to make sure that you are maintaining your vehicle ahead of the snow and ice.

Local vehicle maintenance expert Kevin Brown of Ken Smith Autobody said that, unfortunately, once you see signs of rust on the body of the vehicle, it’s usually too late to do anything to stop.

Brown said that the only option for drivers that have rust, often involves thousands of dollars in repairs.

However, for drivers that have no signs of rust, there are some preventative tips to protect your vehicles from facing the fate which results from the cold, road salt and dirt.

“Consistently washing your vehicle helps,” Mr. Brown said. “Even in winter, if you can rinse away the grime, salt and ice that can collect on vehicles, and even remove the thick deposits, it can go along way toward saving your vehicle from permanent damage.”

Brown said that newer cars tend to use foams and sealants that attract the dirt and salt, trapping them in the vehicles’ nooks and crannies.

The icy conditions make it harder for vehicles to shed the trapped dirt and salt, which over time, can cause corrosion and rust.

“A climate like ours is definitely going to accelerate the rust process,” Brown explained. “It can be made worse by salt on the roads during the winter.”

“The process starts before just one occasion,” Brown added. It is the cumulative effect that causes the first sign of discoloration and rust to appear, and then the problem gets compounded.

“Oftentimes, there is rust that is there that you don’t see,” Brown said. “Once you see it, the bigger issues have already started.”

The bigger issues include the need to replace portions of the vehicle’s body, so that the corrosion doesn’t spread.

In today’s economy, even replacing one panel of the vehicle can cause the repair and replacement bill to add up quickly. Autobody shops estimate that replacing a typical side panel, including labor, can amount anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 in fees.

In addition to washing your vehicle regularly, especially the undercarriage, vehicle maintenance experts suggest applying a protective undercarriage spray before harsh winter road conditions arrive.

Another tip from the experts is to apply wax to the car before colder weather. The wax can provide extra protection against ice, dirt, water and salt.