The winter storm of 2013 lived up to the media hype and exceeded expectations in some areas of New England and New York; we are now faced with a new set of challenges when it comes to driving and caring for your vehicle post storm. Potentially corrosive materials used on roads and highways to maintain traffic safety could have an impact on your vehicle’s brake system, suspension system and other vehicle components if not properly cared for.

First bit of advice - get your vehicle to the car wash now….

Openbay recommends using a commercial car wash in order to avoid sending harmful substances into storm sewer systems or out into the environment untreated. In some areas different types of salt is used to melt away snow such as rock salt and solar salt. Salt combined with sand and other chemicals can create havoc for not only the environment but your vehicle too. Wash your vehicle more than you are typically accustomed to during these conditions, especially after a storm. Every five (5) to ten (10) days is recommended until the snow and salt residue on the road fade away. Make sure outside temperatures are 5 – 7 degrees above freezing before you enter the car wash and opt for the undercarriage wash package for an extra few dollars.

Depending up the age of the vehicle, how its maintained and its geographic location, there have been cases where corrosive materials used on roadways have contributed to brake line corrosion. What does this mean? Brake lines can rust, leak brake fluid or during a hard stop burst wide open resulting a failure to stop a vehicle when brakes are applied. If this happens, use the emergency brake!

Have a mechanic inspect a vehicle’s undercarriage regularly for these types of conditions to prevent any type of failure due to corrosion.

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