Addressing The Problem Rock Salt Poses To Your Car's Brakes

Icy, snowy road conditions could lead to serious damage to your car. Not only are you at risk for a collision when driving, the vehicle remains at risk for damage even when off the road. The salt used to melt ice and snow from the asphalt surface is corrosive to brakes. To ensure brakes always function safety while driving, take certain immediate steps to address a braking system's exposure to rock salt.

Hose Off the Salt

The road salt has to be cleaned off the brakes or else corrosion is going to manifest. If you can hose off salt from your brakes, do so. Under optimal circumstances, you should (safely and securely) raise the vehicle off the ground. The brake area becomes more visible allowing you to effectively wash the salt residue off.

Request Special Help at a Car Wash

You can only do so much with a host. For a more thorough job, take the vehicle to a car wash to have the undercarriage cleaned. A cursory cleaning of the undercarriage is not going to be enough though. A little extra care and attention is going to be required to clear all the salt out.

Upon bringing the vehicle to the car wash, be sure to tell the service representative you want the brake area thoroughly cleaned of all salt. If possible, request the car wash crew manually clean off the salt. The job may cost extra, but consider the fee an investment in the long-term health of the brakes.

Create a Safe Parking Spot

Just because the salt has been cleaned out from the brake area does not mean there is no chance of it being exposed again. Parking the car away from a pile of snow cleared from the road is well advised. This way, a a mix of snow, ice, and salt does not touch the undercarriage. 

Take the necessary time out to clean a totally clear spot out in front of your home. Doing so works wonders for protecting your undercarriage and brakes.

Pay Careful Attention to How the Brakes Operate

Perform a special test drive a few days after your car has been exposed to salt. Determine if your brakes are working normally or they appear to act inefficiently. The second you suspect something is even slightly wrong, take the brakes in for an inspection.

Double Check for Rust

Look under the car and illuminate the undercarriage with a flash light. If you see any rust, bring the vehicle to an auto service shop (such as Ken's Auto Services, Inc) to have the brakes checked out. Do so even when you see rust in areas away from the brakes. The presence of rust anywhere and in any amount could mean major problems for the car.

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