As much as we’d like to imagine we’re as fast and capable as Markku Alén in a Lancia 037 charging through the woods during the 1000 Lakes Rally, the reality is that, as a nation, Britain gets all out of sorts when our roads are blanketed with freshly laid snow.

The UK’s winters are generally short and sweet compared to those of our Scandinavian or continental cousins, which means we tackle winter weather by applying salt on our roads rather than insisting on the use of winter tyres. And that presents a problem, because salt and damp are a particularly nasty combination for cars.

Needless to say, risking a smattering of salt under and over your car is by far the lesser evil compared with trying to drive on treacherous, icy roads, but no car enthusiast welcomes the season of salt roads.

There are hidden dangers that salt poses, not only to vehicles but also to the natural environment. But the good news is there’s plenty you can do to prevent salt harming your special car.

A brief history of road salt in the UK

The use of road salt in the UK dates back to the mid-20th century, post World War II, as motoring became increasingly prevalent and winters posed significant challenges to road safety. Before its widespread adoption, sand and cinders were popularly used to improve traction on icy roads; however, these materials were less effective in fully melting ice and snow. The introduction of salt as a de-icing agent revolutionised winter road maintenance due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water, thus quickly and efficiently clearing ice. By the 1960s, road salt had become the standard approach for battling winter weather hazards across the UK.

The role of salt in road safety

Salt, specifically sodium chloride, is a highly effective de-icing agent used by road crews to lower the freezing point of snow and ice, ensuring safer driving conditions in winter. This process, known as freezing point depression, enables salt to transform potentially perilous icy surfaces into slush, helping tyres cut through and maintain a grip of the road – reducing the risk of accidents.

To get scientific for amoment, and borrow from a deep-dive into rock salt, by Scientific American, it “disrupts the crystal structure that forms in the freezing of the ice,” according to Julie Pollock, a chemist at the University of Richmond, Virginia, USA. Salt dissolves in water and breaks down into ions. Each molecule splits into one ion each of sodium and chloride. Normally, when water freezes into ice, its molecules line up to form a stable, orderly hexagonal structure. Salt ions interfere with that alignment, however, and temperatures must drop lower to overcome that interference and for freezing to occur.

While the safety benefits of salting roads are undeniable, this advantage comes with its own set of complications, particularly concerning our cars.

Why salt is bad for vehicles

While salt works wonders on the roads, it can spell disaster for your vehicle if not managed properly. Regardless of whether you're driving a rugged Toyota Land Cruiser or cherished Jaguar E-type, salt accelerates the process of rust by attracting moisture. When salt and moisture combine, they initiate a chemical reaction that eats away at metal surfaces. The most vulnerable parts of your car are the undercarriage, wheel arches, suspension components and body panels, as they are the first to face the onslaught of salty slush. Over longer periods of time – or not in the case of some Italian cars from years gone by – this can lead to significant corrosion, compromising the structural integrity of a car, leading it to fail its MOT and impacting either your wallet or its resale value.

There’s an additional problem: how salt is spread. If you’ve ever passed or had to follow a gritting lorry on the road, you’ll know just how unpleasant it can be to have your car sprayed with small chunks of salt at high velocity. Paintwork and body panels can suffer from chips and scratches, which provide an entry point for salt, further exacerbating the rusting process. Beyond the physical deterioration of vehicles, road salt runoff can enter local waterways, impacting aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. This environmental concern highlights the need for careful management.

Protecting your car from salt damage

To combat these issues, drivers who care about their cars – and we assume you’re one of them – should take proactive measures to protect their automobiles from salt-induced damage.

A comprehensive winter valet, such as that offered by Racing Green, is an excellent way to mitigate these risks. Our winter wonder valet package is meticulous in its approach, ensuring that salt and grime are completely removed from both the visible and hidden areas of your vehicle. The thorough cleaning is not limited to the bodywork; we focus on the chassis, where salt accumulation is most destructive as it can lurk hidden behind all manner of plastic cladding and damp acoustic-insulation material. By using high-pressure washes, steam, and specialised cleaning treatments, we ensure that every trace of corrosive salt is eradicated before applying protective waxes, leaving your car not only clean but safeguarded against future damage. This service goes beyond aesthetics – it’s about preserving the integrity, longevity and value of your vehicle.

The benefits of long-term car storage at Racing Green

Beyond regular cleaning, storing your vehicle in a climate-controlled environment plays a pivotal role in protection during the harsh winter months. From our purpose-designed hub in Kent, Racing Green car Storage offers state-of-the-art facilities that provide the ideal conditions for car storage throughout the year. Our dehumidified environment is maintained by a state-of-the-art Cotes C65 industrial dehumidifier, which ensures an optimal level of 55 per cent relative humidity.

We also perform a vehicle inspection and snow-foam valet each time a client returns their car to us, check and report on all fluid levels, measure the tread depth of tyres and set the pressures appropriately, before fitting a CTEK battery charger and our signature custom-size, soft-stretch car cover.

Preventing damage from road salt

The use of salt on roads contributes significantly to driving safety during winter, yet it's essential to acknowledge and address the harm it can cause to cars. Through diligent cleaning and expert storage solutions, the adverse effects of road salt can be effectively managed. Racing Green Car Storage is committed to offering unparalleled services that ensure your vehicle remains in pristine condition, allowing you to enjoy the winter season without so much as a shiver of concern.

If you would like to know more about Racing Green’s services, or arrange for your car to be placed in our care, please speak with a member of the team, on 03330 909722, or email us at enquiries@racinggreencarstorage.co.uk