The single best way to protect your car from corrosion or rust, whether by salt or any other chemical, is to keep it clean. Early removal of corrosive substances prevents damage to your car’s finish and parts.

Rust

Rust is caused by corrosive substances remaining in contact with your car for long enough to eat through the paint or other coating and expose the metal underneath. Once the metal is exposed to air and moisture, oxidisation occurs – this is what we know as rust. In general, the best way to prevent rust occurring is to wash your car regularly and to apply waxes and other sealants to the paint job, undercarriage and exposed rubber hoses and seals after each wash.

Road salt

Although not common in Australia, ski resorts and other alpine areas will use road salt to de-ice roads during winter. If your car will be using alpine roads during winter, you should perform some preventative maintenance in autumn. The first step is a complete wash of the body and undercarriage. Apply a wax coat and wax sealant to the car’s body and a sealant to the entire undercarriage, especially fuel and brake lines.

Sea salt

If you live on the coast you will find that sea-spray and airborne salt can also cause rust and corrosion problems. The main damage in coastal areas tends to be to the bonnet, roof and rear of the car, with vinyl roofs being especially sensitive to salt damage. To prevent salt corrosion of your car’s paint job, you need to wash the car regularly and thoroughly; the addition of baking soda to your washing water can help with this. Always apply a good coat of wax after the completion of the wash, to provide additional protection.

Professional car wash services are able to thoroughly clean your car and apply special paint, rubber and undercarriage sealants for you.