Road salt eats away at vehicles and consumers’ wallets

For many motorists, the end of winter could also mean costly repairs, potentially melting away a lot of hard-earned money.

While beneficial for safe driving, the rock salt and other chemicals many municipalities use to clear snow and ice can be a car’s worst enemy. According to a new AAA survey, U.S. drivers living in areas hit hard by winter weather paid an estimated $15.4 billion on salt-related rust repairs over the last five years. That’s an average of nearly $500 per repair, not to mention the safety risks posed by potential vehicle part failures.

In many areas, more effective liquid de-icers are used. However, they are just as corrosive as rock salt and because of their liquid state, can easily seep into vehicle cracks and crevices.

“While the application of de-icing salts and solutions is critical to keeping our nation’s roadways safe every winter, it’s important that drivers pay attention to warning signs that their vehicle may be suffering from rust-related damage," said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “This can be much more than a cosmetic issue, it can also create serious safety issues for drivers by impacting brake lines, exhaust systems, fuel tanks and electrical connections.”

AAA strongly urges drivers who experience any of the following issues to immediately move their vehicle to a safe location and have it towed to a trusted repair facility:

• In-dash warning lights for brakes and other critical systems.
• A “spongey” or soft feeling when applying pressure to the brake pedal.
• An unusually loud exhaust sound or the smell of fumes in or around the vehicle.
• The prominent smell of gasoline or diesel fuel when the vehicle is parked or running.

Fortunately, there are steps drivers can take to reduce the possibility of rust-related damage. These include:

• Washing and waxing your vehicle before winter begins.
• Limit driving immediately before, during and after winter storms, when de-icing chemicals are at their highest concentrations.
• Frequently washing vehicles, paying particular attention to the undercarriage, to loosen, dissolve and neutralize road salts. It’s also important to use a high-quality car wash solution and not household dish detergent, which will strip the wax from a vehicle’s finish.
• Repairing body damage and touching up paint scratches that could trap snow and ice.

One other hazard to keep in mind as winter melts into spring: potholes. When snow and ice dissipate, roadways can begin to crumble. A separate AAA survey found that in 2016, nearly 30 million U.S. drivers experienced pothole damage significant enough to require repairs ranging from less than $250 to more than $1,000.

When pothole or rust damage occurs, it is important to choose a reputable repair facility. The AAA Approved Auto Repair program includes nearly 7,000 facilities that have met AAA’s high standards for certifications, technical training, cleanliness, insurance, inspections and customer satisfaction. AAA members are eligible for special benefits, such as priority service, a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty, discounts, free inspections, dispute resolution assistance and more. To locate an AAR shop in your area, visit AAA.com/AutoRepair.