If you travel to the beach often or if you park there and need to keep your car safe from damage caused by the salt water, you might be wondering what you can do to help. Salt water is a car’s enemy and the more your car is exposed to it, the more likely it will be rusty or destroyed. If you want to make sure your car is in good condition and stays safe no matter the location, be sure to keep some of these tips and suggestions from a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop in mind to remove the salt before it starts to damage your car.
It is best to avoid completely exposing your car to salt, but if that is not possible, you can minimize damage by removing most of the salt water. When you travel home from the beach, spray your car with clean water from a hose. This will remove most of the salt, so it will not destroy the paint job of your vehicle and cause damage. When the salt stays on the car it breaks down the clearcoat first and then it starts to work on your pain. It can break down the metal on the vehicle and lead to holes and rough spots that will eventually rust.
For best results, also spray the back of the car and around the tires and doors. Pay special attention to the wheels and use a rag to keep everything wiped down to continue to wash off the salt. Wheels are one of the areas most susceptible to salt water, so be sure to clean them thoroughly. Even driving though saltwater can cause salt to coat the tires and splash up on your car where it can damage the paint and cause rust.
Remember, you don’t always have to park your car on the beach to be exposed to salt water. Large waves or high tides sometimes deposit salt on the road. Whenever you are near the ocean, remember that your car may have been exposed to salt. If possible, try to park a few block back from the ocean. You may still find salt sticking to your vehicle but the amount should be greatly reduce. You may also want to find a parking garage that will allow you to park in a covered area where your car is not in the direct wind or splash area of ocean water. This can help reduce the risk of damage to your car.
If you are planning to take a trip to the beach or move there and know that your car will be exposed to a salt water, you will want to do everything you can to remove the salt as soon as possible. The above tips can help you do that. If you need help with other things that may be going on with your vehicle, be sure to make an appointment with a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. Call for help with all your auto repair needs.
