How do I Protect My Truck from Road Brine?
Road Brine: The Silent Rust Culprit
Protect Your Vehicle This Winter
One of the best things you can do for your car or truck this winter is to protect it from rusting. Despite its damaging effects on vehicles and the environment, the United States uses over 20 million tons of road salt every year. With such vast amounts of sodium chloride being spread annually, understanding the impact of road salt and brine on your vehicle is crucial.
Rock Salt vs. Road Brine
Salt brine is a solution of salt and water that has a lower freezing point than water alone, making it effective at reducing snow and ice adherence to road surfaces. Once applied, brine leaves white streaks on the roadway. It’s also a cost-effective solution—salt used to mix brine costs about $89 per ton, producing 2,000 gallons of liquid formula for treating roadways.
What Is Road Brine Made Of?
Road brine can be made with sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride. Its freezing point depends on the type of salt and its concentration in the solution. While rock salt (crystals of sodium chloride) is commonly used, it becomes effective only after mixing with snow, ice, or freezing rain to create brine on the road surface.
An anti-icing program using liquid brine is highly effective, reducing the need for de-icing efforts and expediting the return of roads to passable conditions. However, it poses significant risks to vehicles, especially if you’re driving directly behind a brine-spraying truck.
Why Is Road Brine Dangerous?
Salt significantly accelerates rust formation by lowering the electrical resistance of water, making it easier for rust (ferric oxide) to form. This process intensifies when road salt or brine comes into contact with your car’s metal parts, leading to extensive corrosion over time. Boats, trailers, and trucks are also vulnerable.
Can Salt Brine Be Removed in a Car Wash?
Many vehicle owners rely on car washes during winter to remove road salt and brine. However, most conventional car washes fail to effectively eliminate the sticky additives in modern de-icing solutions. In fact, recycled water used in some car washes may drive the brine deeper into your vehicle’s body cavities, causing more harm than good.
The only reliable way to remove salt brine is by using a salt brine remover specifically designed for this purpose.
Preventing Road Brine Rust
Whether you’ve noticed rust on your vehicle or want to prevent it, there are effective and affordable solutions. Using high-quality products like NH Oil Undercoating can help protect your car this winter.
Benefits of NH Oil Undercoating®
NH Oil Undercoating is a unique blend of highly refined mineral oil and green corrosion inhibitors that guard against rust and corrosion. It eliminates moisture and oxygen while providing a barrier against salt, dirt, and other pollutants. Additionally, it has a pleasant smell and is easy to apply.
Key Features
- Penetrate & Lubricate: NH Oil Undercoating lifts and removes dirt, moisture, contaminants, and surface rust. It penetrates to the good metal and forms long-lasting protection.
- Stop Electrolysis: By preventing the completion of an external circuit, NH Oil Undercoating stops electrolysis, protecting electrical connections and preventing “greening” of wires.
- Active Molecular Protective Film: The ultra-thin film provides long-term protection by bonding at a molecular level.
- Creeps and Self-Healing: The product creeps into cracks, crevices, and seams, ensuring maximum protection, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Can We Improve Existing Rust?
Yes! NH Oil Undercoating® Back N Black not only protects but also enhances the appearance of rusted surfaces, creating a barrier against moisture, salt, and brine.
Take Action Today!
Don’t let road brine ruin your vehicle. Find an NH Oil Undercoating dealer near you and protect your investment.