Ontario uses a lot of road salt, and Waterloo Region is no exception. It keeps roads safer, but salt mixed with water and slush is one of the worst things for your car. Rust doesn’t happen overnight, but a few winters without care can leave real damage. Here’s how to fight back.
What salt damages most
- Underbody and frame: slush sprays up and sits there all winter.
- Brake lines and brake parts: rusted brake lines can leak, and rust on calipers and rotors causes sticking and uneven wear. See rusty brake rotors and seized brake calipers.
- Wheel wells, rocker panels and door bottoms: classic rust spots on Ontario cars.
- Exhaust system: salt speeds up rust on pipes and hangers.
- Wheels: salt can creep under the finish of alloy wheels, especially where they’re scratched.
Before winter
- Wash and wax. A coat of wax or paint sealant in the fall gives the paint a barrier against salt.
- Touch up chips. Rust starts at stone chips and scratches. A small touch-up pen now can save a body repair later.
- Consider rustproofing. Oil-based rustproofing sprays are popular in Ontario. They creep into seams and cover the underbody. Many need to be redone every year.
- Put winter tires on separate wheels. Using a set of steel or winter wheels keeps salt off your nice alloys. More on steel vs. alloy wheels.
During winter
- Wash regularly, about every week or two, and after big storms. Choose a wash with an underbody spray.
- Wash on milder days when it’s above freezing, so water doesn’t freeze in door locks and seals.
- Avoid deep slush puddles when you safely can.
- Use rubber floor mats. Salty snow from your boots can soak into carpet and rust the floor from the inside.
In spring
Give the car a thorough wash, including the underbody and wheel wells. Spring is also a great time for a brake check, since salt is tough on brake parts. We offer a free brake inspection. Read what a brake inspection includes. If you’re storing your winter set, clean the wheels first. See how to store tires.
Visit us in Waterloo
President Tire & Wheels is at 632 Colby Drive, Waterloo, serving Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge. From seasonal tire swaps to brake service, we’ll help your car handle winter. Call (226) 698-1667.
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