Whether you love or hate the winter months, you know you’ll be trudging through ice, water, and snow for several months. Snow, ice, and unpredictable weather conditions make for an exciting commute, but there’s more to think about than just keeping your car on the road. 

Take a look at what you march through as you make your way to and from the office. What’s in the dark slush that forms after a snowstorm? What do Denver road maintenance teams use on the roads? And maybe more importantly, how is that all impacting your vehicle’s undercarriage? 

What? Haven’t thought much about it before? Maybe it’s time you did. 

Denver utilizes a product called magnesium chloride (mag chloride) to break down ice and snow. Just as road salt can cause rust and corrosion in other parts of the country, magnesium chloride can have a similar impact. 

Why Winter Road Treatments Matter for Your Undercarriage

Driving on snowy or icy roads is precarious at best. Denver road crews know this, so they work hard to make them as safe as possible. 

While many regions rely on salt, Denver has opted for magnesium chloride as a road treatment. Magnesium chloride effectively melts ice at lower temperatures, but it has its own challenges for car maintenance.

As you drive, magnesium chloride sticks to the bottom of your car, potentially causing corrosion over time. Corrosion weakens the metal components on the undercarriage, which can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

The Impact of Magnesium Chloride on Your Car

Magnesium chloride is less corrosive than traditional road salt, but it still has a noticeable effect on your vehicle. When it sticks to metal and stays there over time, it starts to break down protective coatings, exposing your car’s undercarriage to moisture. 

When this happens, rust forms more quickly, especially in areas where water might pool. The suspension and brake components face wear and tear more quickly due to exposure. Even the tires and rims can start to corrode if magnesium chloride accumulates around them.

So, how can you protect your car’s undercarriage from winter damage caused by magnesium chloride?

Wash Your Car Regularly

Keeping your car clean is the simplest and most effective way to prevent magnesium chloride buildup. Aim to wash your car every couple of weeks during the winter season, especially after a snowfall when road treatments are fresh.

When washing, pay special attention to the undercarriage. Many car washes offer an undercarriage wash option, which sprays water underneath to remove debris and chemicals. If you’re washing your car at home, use a garden hose to spray the underside of the vehicle, reaching around the wheel wells and underbody components.

Quick Tip: Wash your car on warmer winter days when possible. If temperatures are well below freezing, the water from washing can freeze on your car, which may cause additional problems.

Inspect Your Car Regularly

We’ve talked about visual checks before in other articles. They truly are one of the most effective ways to keep your car in good working condition. Make a habit of checking the underside for signs of rust or buildup every few weeks. You can do this when you pull out the garden hose to wash your car. Even a quick visual inspection can help you spot issues before they become more severe.

Keep an eye on:

• Wheel wells where mud and grime collect
• Brake lines and fuel lines, which are especially vulnerable to corrosion
• Exhaust system, which faces a lot of heat and moisture

If you notice any signs of rust or wear, it’s best to have a mechanic assess the damage and apply preventive treatments.

Avoid Parking on Wet Surfaces

Moisture is one of the main catalysts for corrosion, and parking on wet surfaces like snow or slush can increase the risk of rust. After driving through snowy or slushy conditions, try to park in a covered or dry area. If you park outside, avoid letting the snow or moisture sit under your vehicle for long periods.

Denver winters can be unpredictable, so consider parking in a garage or carport if possible. Not only will this keep your car dry, but it also prevents mag chloride from sticking and accumulating on the undercarriage.

Schedule a Post-Winter Inspection

At the end of the winter season, schedule a post-winter inspection to assess any damage to your car’s undercarriage. This is the time to check for rust, corrosion, and other wear that may have developed from winter driving.

An inspection will allow your mechanic to:

• Address any signs of rust before they spread
• Reapply protective coatings if necessary
• Check for leaks or wear on critical components

Plus, a post-winter inspection ensures that your car is ready for spring and summer driving and gives you peace of mind after a long winter driving on Denver’s roads.

Why Taking These Steps Matters

You might find waking up to several inches of snow on the roads challenging at best. But knowing a few tips about keeping your car in good working condition can boost your spirits even just a little bit. 

When the sun reappears, give your car a little TLC. A few preventative steps can help:

• Prolong the life of your car’s undercarriage
• Reduce costly repairs due to rust and corrosion
• Enjoy a safer, smoother driving experience

If you need help with a post-winter inspection, undercarriage checkups, or other winter maintenance, schedule an appointment with us. We’re here to help keep your car in top shape for the unique challenges of Denver’s winter roads.