Road Salt Although salt is inert when subjected to freezing (15 – 20.oF ) it’s considered the lower limit for salt to melt snow/ice but once H2O, even in the form of moist air (i.e. humidity) is added the freezing point is lowered and the saline solution(salt/water) will have an adverse effect on the vehicles paint and undercarriage. When washing the vehicle ensure that all salt is removed to avoid a saline solution remaining on the paint finish. Using a durable protection (Collinite Insulator Wax) will provide a sacrificial and renewable protection to the vehicles paint finish. The salts (often mixed with grit / sand for tyre adhesion) commonly used are; (a) Sodium chloride (NaCl) the most common salt used (b) Calcium chloride (CaCl2) works at lower temperatures than sodium chloride. (c) Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is the name for the chemical compounds and its various hydrates MgCl2 (H2O) x. These salts are typical ionic halides, being highly soluble in water. Magnesium chloride is very effective even at the lowest temperatures but also contains the most aggressive corrosives (especially on glass surfaces) and a sprayed brine solution, it is used to prevent snow / ice adhesion to the road surface. A number of state highway departments throughout the United States have decreased the use of rock salt and sand on roadways and have increased the use of solutions of magnesium chloride (often called "liquid magnesium chloride") as a de-icer. Magnesium chloride is much less toxic to plant life surrounding highways and airports, and is less corrosive to concrete and steel (and other iron alloys) than sodium chloride. Anti-icing liquids; according to State authorities the liquid consists of - Magnesium chloride, Calcium chloride and other liquids works like anti-freeze by lowering the freezing temperature of water and preventing ice from forming a strong bond to the road’ Needless to state that all these salts are corrosive so once you've removed the ice / snow it may be advisable to 'neutralize ' the residue road salt with (Valuguards Decontaimination System and protect with Canada-POR15.com) especially the undercarriage and suspension parts. Undercarriage Cleaning and Care Your vehicle’s undercarriage; it’s what you don't see that silently awaits underneath your cars. Detailing your undercarriage is just as important as detailing the paint. Wheel wells, sub-frame, springs, fender well and all of the other black and gray parts underneath the body need detailing too. A quick spray of Bare Bones Spray not only adds a durable long lasting shine, it also repels dirt but can also hide dirty spots and discoloration between parts, while enhancing any detail .It is possible to do this detail with the wheels on and just jacking the car up, but the ideal way is with the wheels off. Never go underneath a car supported by the supplied jack - always use axle stands if you wish to work underneath the car. Always jack the car up at the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Ensure the jack is in stable contact with both the jacking point (see owner's manual) and the ground. Always work on level ground. After removing dirt, road grime, and etc with a pressure washer (Karcher Model K5.93M) neutralise the effects of the acidic road salt (Canada-POR15) on the suspension, wheel wells and the undercarriage (See also Road salt) Methodology 1. Thoroughly spray an undiluted citrus cleaner (P2IS Total Auto Wash) and let it soak in; remove by thoroughly rinsing with water. If you have a pressure washer available, fill tank with citrus cleaner and spray undercarriage (do not use excess pressure as water may penetrate crevices and seams where it cannot drain, causing corrosion), let it soak and then remove with plain water. Allow to thoroughly dry and then... 2. Spray undercarriage with ValuGard’s part B Alkaline Neutralizer (part of their decontamination system) pH 1.0 that is a blend of acids, which deep cleans painted surfaces to remove alkaline deposits and safely dissolves the salt particles bond with the paint so that they can be rinsed away. Allow product to dwell for 5-7 minutes. All necessary safety precautions should be taken whilst using this product 3. Rinse vehicle thoroughly and then apply Chemical Guys Bare Bones, spray over the entire area and wipe in well with an old towel, .one application will leave no residues, noxious fumes or flammable solvents. Makes plastic and rubber look new again, shines painted surfaces, and keeps aluminium and anodized parts from corroding. 4. Protection; apply POR-15 Marine Clean™ and then two coats of a rust inhibitor paint (POR-15) allow each coat to dry Alternative product Wurth High Build Underbody Spray produces a jet black, textured finish in wheel wells and on lower rocker panels. This spray will hide a multitude of blemishes and make old wheel wells look factory new. Provides permanent yet flexible protection against flying stones, rust, water and road salts Wurth SKS Stone Guard matches OEM Factory applied stone protection on vehicles such as BMW, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Renault; for use on door sills, front and rear body parts, mudguards, under bodies, rocker panels, etc. Wurth SKS Stone Guard is a water based product and offers easy clean-up. Wurth SKS is paintable and can be top coated with solvent based urethane or water-based top coats (available in Black or Grey) An extract from “Automotive Detailing, Inside & Out”, a knowledge base for the perfectionist © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved.
Question from a newbie about this - what period is too long before washing off salt/grime during winter months before damage may be done?? As it gets cold/snowy in the northeast it is tough to get washes in sometimes. thanks
same question, didnt wash my car in 2 month couse of weather but did sparay salt off the car couple times
The new spray is brutal. I note that you say its less corrosive but the issue is it can get in any little crevice.
It is nearly impossible to fully protect a car from the salt or other contaminants that the car is subjected to, but you have to try your best which will prevent most damage in the first place. If you figure that there are many cars on the road that are never washed and have no protection on them, they still can be brought back without much consequence although some cars have rust issues which is a whole other issue all together. I think it is a unanimous agreement that salt sucks!
Pete...you're being too modest...you didn't just buy 100% salt protection, you got 100% BABE MAGNET!!!!!!:deadhorse::
im glad this post came about. kinda funny just earlier today i was thinking about what the best way to clean my undercarriage and whole underside of my car was. cant believe i didnt think of using the valugard B decon. ill be doing that for sure. ill have a karcher PW by then too, so i'll be good to go.
Man, that camo is effective! I had to look long and hard before I even saw the truck in the picture! :shead: TL
Haha. Well sometimes, function over form prevails which is the case here I think. It may not be pretty but for $750, he bought something that is unstoppable in the winter.
The "custom" paint was done by the previous owner. lol. The girlfriend hates seeing all the looks from the other girls driving by Exactly. I don't car if someone slams into this thing while my car is parked safely out of harm's way. And with it being about the same price as a set of snow tires, it was a no brainer. Now I have 4 wheel drive and I can drive through 18" of snow (just did a little while ago to get a load of firewood to my fire pit in the back yard) with minimal problems. Fun thing about the truck too, was when I bought it, it had no exhaust from the transfer case back. Put on cherry bombs and 2.25" pipe, with some angled tips out the sides, just in front of the rear bumper, at a 45 degree angle. She's loud.
