Salt and Corrosion: what it does to your car and accessories

Salt can damage the protective paint layer on your car and eventually lead to rust forming on metal parts of the vehicle. Your car comes into contact with salt through the road, but also through the air when humidity is high in winter. When salt comes into contact with metal surfaces, it acts as an electrolyte, accelerating the oxidation process. This process, known as rust formation, can damage the steel and other metals in your car.

The impact is greatest on the underside of your vehicle, including the chassis, suspension systems, brakes, and wheel wells. This is one of the reasons why it is important to wash your car regularly during the winter months.

Accessories added to your vehicle, such as roof racks, glass carriers, ladders, bike racks, roof boxes, and tow bars, are also vulnerable to road salt. If roof racks are made of steel or another unprotected metal, corrosion can start quickly, reducing their functionality and aesthetics.

At mobietec, we use anodized aluminum in our products to prevent salt damage. But why is this such an effective solution?

What Is anodized aluminum?

Anodized aluminum is aluminum that has undergone an electrochemical process to form a protective oxide layer. This layer protects the material from corrosion and wear, even in environments where salt is a problem.

The benefits of anodized aluminum for your commercial vehicle accessories:

• Resistance to rust and corrosion – The anodized layer acts as a barrier, preventing salt from coming into contact with the aluminum, thus preventing rust.
• Lightweight and strong – Aluminum is naturally lightweight, but anodized aluminum provides excellent strength, making it ideal for carrying heavy loads such as bikes and roof boxes.
• Low maintenance – Anodized aluminum requires much less maintenance than steel, as it is better resistant to salt and harsh weather conditions.
• Aesthetic appeal – The anodized coating keeps your accessories looking great, even after prolonged exposure to winter conditions.

Besides choosing high-quality, salt-resistant materials, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle and accessories from the harmful effects of road salt.

• Regular washing – One of the best ways to prevent salt-related rust is to wash your car regularly. This helps remove salt residue from your vehicle, especially underneath, where it accumulates the most.
• Use protective coatings – Various coatings are available that can be applied to metal parts of your car to provide an extra layer of protection against salt, extending the lifespan of these components.
• Protect your accessories – Use roof racks and other accessories specifically designed to withstand winter elements, such as anodized aluminum products. You can also consider covering your roof rack or other accessories when not in use to minimize direct exposure to salt.

Salt can negatively impact your vehicle and accessories, but with the right materials and maintenance, you can minimize damage. By choosing mobietec products, such as our anodized aluminum roof racks, you ensure that your commercial vehicle is ready to handle the challenges of winter.