Yakima Auto Repair

A weekend on snowy roads leaves behind salt, brine, and gritty sand. That mix finds seams, bolt heads, and hidden pockets where corrosion starts quietly. A careful clean-up in the first day or two stops oxidation before it gains a foothold and helps brakes, fasteners, and suspension hardware last through the season. Why Salt and Slush Speed Up Corrosion Road salt lowers the freezing point of water, but it also accelerates oxidation anywhere it lingers. Brine splashes up into wheel wells, settles on brake hardware, and collects inside pinch welds. When temperatures bounce above and below freezing, damp salt cycles between wet and dry, giving rust a fresh start each time. A simple routine that removes residue, dries crevices, and protects exposed metal keeps damage from spreading. Rinse the High-Risk Areas First Use a low-pressure pre-rinse to float grit off paint before any contact wash. Flush behind each wheel to rinse plastic liners, coil spring ... read more