Road Salt and Rust

Q: My car gets smothered with road salt each year. How can I help to prevent rust from forming?

A: Rust (iron oxide) occurs when water, iron, and oxygen combine. Salt can accelerate this process. The best advice I can give is to wash and wax your car regularly. Wax your car at least twice each year – once in the fall and once in the spring. In the winter, wash your car once every two weeks. When washing your car, be sure to spray under the wheel wells to remove any debris and road grime. Clean any frame drainage holes so moisture doesn’t become trapped on the metal. Dry the insides of the door, hood, and trunk.