Winter driving brings challenges beyond icy roads and freezing temperatures. One of the biggest threats to your Subaru is road salt. While salt helps keep highways safe by melting ice, it can quietly attack your vehicle's undercarriage, paint, and exposed metal parts, leading to rust and corrosion if left unchecked. Protecting your Subaru doesn't require complicated steps—it just takes consistency and a little extra care during the colder months.
Why Road Salt Is Harmful
Salt accelerates the chemical reaction between moisture and metal, causing rust to form faster. Subaru vehicles, known for their allâÂÂwheel drive and winter reliability, often face heavy exposure to slushy, salted roads. Over time, untreated salt can corrode brake lines, exhaust systems, wheel wells, and suspension components.
Preventive Measures
â Regular Washing: Make it a habit to wash your Subaru every one to two weeks in winter, especially after driving on heavily salted roads. Focus on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and rocker panels where salt tends to accumulate.
â Wax and Sealants: Applying a protective wax or ceramic coating before winter creates a barrier against salt and moisture. Sealants help preserve your paint and make cleaning easier.
â Undercoating Treatments: Consider professional rustproofing or undercoating services. These treatments add a protective layer to vulnerable areas underneath your vehicle.
â Interior Care: Salt doesn't just stay outside; it gets tracked inside on boots, damaging carpets and mats. Use rubber floor liners to keep the interior clean and protected.
â Routine Inspections: During oil changes or tire rotations, ask your mechanic to check for early signs of rust. Catching corrosion early can save you from costly repairs later.
Subaru Strength with Extra Care
Subaru builds vehicles designed to thrive in winter conditions, but even the toughest cars need protection from salt. By staying proactive with cleaning, protective coatings, and inspections, you'll extend your Subaru's life and keep it looking sharp for years to come. To learn more about how to prevent rust and corrosion and keep your Subaru looking showroom-new, contact us today.
