Blog Post

Tips for Spotting Salt Damage to Your Car

  • By Tony Mers
  • 13 Sep, 2023
Tips for Spotting Salt Damage to Your Car

Snowy, icy roads are dangerous in the winter. Therefore, many areas use snowplows to throw down sodium chloride and salt brine to melt through the ice and snow. These mixtures have a higher temperature and freezing point than the snow, which helps melt ice and make the roads less slippery. While road salts and brines are inexpensive and effective, they can also cause damage to your vehicle due to their corrosive nature. Here are some tips for spotting salt damage to your car to keep your vehicle in good condition throughout the winter.

Examine the Key Areas

The easiest way to start checking for signs of salt damage is to examine the common problem areas. You want to inspect your car’s trunk, roof, and hood, especially if you park on the street where most trucks dispense the salt. These flat surfaces can hold onto the salt or brine and face the sun, so they’re high-profile targets for damage.

You should also look at the area beneath the hood of your car, the undercarriage, and your wheel wells. Tire areas especially tend to take lots of damage since your tires can splatter the salt and brine onto their insides.

Look at the Paint

A helpful tip for spotting salt damage to your car is to pay attention to the paint. Salt may cause peculiar patterns of fading or chipping that you may need to fix. A mixture of the humidity in the brine coming into contact with your paint may also result in unsightly bubbles. Any unusual damage to the paint is a common sign of salt damage in the winter.

Check for Corrosion

Apart from the paint chipping off, you may also notice signs of corrosion. If you see holes forming in the metal structure of your car or any rust building up, we recommend you bring your vehicle to a body shop. They can help remove symptoms of salt damage before it’s too late.

River North Collision Repair is your auto paint shop in Chicago for bodywork, paint, and salt damage. Illinois gets quite a bit of snow, and we want you and your vehicle to make it through the winter with as little damage as possible. To learn more about our services, stop by one of our garages. Or feel free to contact us anytime.

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Many people believe that paint jobs for your car can do more harm than good. While paint jobs can be a costly investment, it’s because they’re performed by specialists who work with precision and care to ensure long-lasting benefits.

Showcase your car in style with a fresh new coat of paint that protects and glistens. Don’t feel discouraged by rumors; instead, learn more about the common misconceptions about car paint jobs.

All Car Paints Are the Same

Car paint jobs differ based on the vehicle and the car owner’s preferences. Owners can choose from a selection of paints that offer varying levels of durability, gloss, and protection. Communicate with a restoration specialist about what kind of paint job you're looking for, and they’ll provide you with the coat you need.

Newer Cars Don't Need Paint Protection

When car owners purchase a new car, they may believe their vehicle is safe from damage for several years. However, new cars are also susceptible to UV rays, bird droppings, and road debris. A protective coat or wax could keep your car looking just as new as when you first received it.

Paint Chips Are Just a Cosmetic Issue

Another common misconception about car paint jobs is that paint chipping won’t cause long-term damage to the car’s structure. However, these chips expose your car to the elements, which may lead your vehicle to experience rust and corrosion from moisture. Protect the integrity of your car and touch up on your paint before it leads to costly repairs.

All Paint Colors Fade at the Same Rate

Different colors fade at various rates depending on their hue and tone. Darker shades like reds and blacks absorb more UV rays, which makes them more susceptible to damage. If you’re looking for a paint job that meets your long-term expectations, consider visiting local auto paint shops  that offer lighter colors.

Custom Paint Jobs Are Always Expensive

Custom paint job pricing depends on the complexity of the design and the materials used to conduct the job. These selections offer a variety of choices for you to plan out a budget for your custom paint job. Look for styles that highlight your preferences without breaking the bank.

Debunk these myths by reaching out to your local body shop specialists. Our restoration specialists at River North provide a pristine look to your car with an extra layer of security. Schedule a car paint job appointment to start driving in style.

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