During the winter, salt is used on the roads to increase road safety when snow and ice are expected. The salt used can harm your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage if the car is not adequately prepared and maintained during winter. The rust forms because the snow and ice mix with the road salt, oxidizing the paint. Leaving your vehicle untreated can lead to rust spots forming on the surface and underbody of your car. Proper paint preparation and maintenance are recommended if you face harsh winter conditions.

In most places another commonly used chemical to prevent accidents in the winter is de-icer. This is another concentrated chemical used to unthaw the ice. When the ice and snow melt, the puddles and deicer mix and stick to your car’s paint when you drive through a puddle or area containing large amounts of deicer and salt. If not properly maintained it is likely the mixture will eat away at the paint causing corrosion.

In the winter, everything thrown out onto the road is all combined with the snow and ice, resulting in some potentially harmful chemicals and other grime sticking to the surface of your car. A big one that is commonly found in car oil. Driving through a puddle mixed with oil, salt, and de-icer without proper maintenance will surely leave a surprise if not taken care of in a relative time frame.