Semi-trucks look like big, strong vehicles, but road salt is a major hazard during the
winter. As if driving in snow and ice wasn’t bad enough, the salt spread to melt ice and make it safer to drive can damage your truck’s exterior and interior surfaces.
Below, we’ll explain how to protect your ride from road salt this winter.
Why Road Salt Damages Trucks
To prevent ice from forming, salt lowers the freezing point of water. It’s often mixed with sand and other chemicals to improve traction on the road, which, while beneficial for driving safety, has detrimental effects on both the exterior and interior of trucks. The presence of salt means that water doesn’t freeze as easily, leaving the truck’s undercarriage and interior components exposed to moisture for prolonged periods. This prolonged exposure accelerates the rusting process, as the oxygen in water combines with the iron in metal parts to cause oxidation. This reaction is particularly aggressive when road salt is involved.
Salt also ionizes when it dissolves in water, creating a conductive solution that accelerates corrosion through electrochemical reactions. The negatively charged salt ions and positively charged oxygen facilitate the rusting process, especially in unpainted or uncoated metal parts.
This environment not only targets the truck’s undercarriage but can also lead to salt being tracked inside the vehicle, where it damages interior surfaces and components. The combination of moisture and salt on the truck’s interior, such as on floor mats and carpets, can cause them to deteriorate over time, emphasizing the need for protective measures both inside and out.
How to Protect Your Semi-Truck Exterior from Salt
In most of the U.S., it is hard to avoid road salt in the winter. However, you can protect your truck’s interior in the following ways:
Wash Your Truck Regularly
Use fresh water to wash all exposed metal surfaces, including the undercarriage. You can wash your truck with a garden hose or take your vehicle to an automatic car wash that accommodates semi-trucks. Some gas stations and body shops offer washing services. Just make sure the facility you go to doesn’t use recycled water, which can contain residual salt from other vehicles.
Wax and Oil Undercoat Your Vehicle
Wax is one of several sealants that provide a protective barrier against salt. Any type of sealant must be applied when the truck is clean and dry, or it won’t be effective. For the best results, wax your truck prior to the winter season, so no salt or debris get trapped inside. If you seal the undercarriage in wintertime with oil undercoating, make sure to thoroughly clean it first.
Install Mud Flaps and Wheel Well Liners
If you’re wondering how to protect your undercarriage from salt, installing mud flaps and wheel well liners should be your first line of defense. These accessories act as a barrier, preventing salt-laden spray from reaching the truck’s undercarriage and sides where rust can form. Mud flaps, made from durable materials like rubber or plastic, are especially effective at protecting the lower body and undercarriage during winter. Wheel well liners add an extra layer of protection for the wheel wells, reducing the accumulation of salt and debris. Installation is straightforward, and choosing high-quality materials will ensure long-lasting defense against corrosive elements.
Regular Inspections and Prompt Repairs
Regular inspections of your semi-truck are crucial for identifying early signs of rust and salt damage. Pay particular attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and any areas prone to moisture accumulation, as these are hotspots for corrosion. If you discover any signs of rust, address them immediately to prevent further spread. Prompt repairs can include cleaning the affected area, applying rust inhibitors, and sealing with protective coatings. This proactive approach will extend the lifespan of your truck and maintain its structural integrity.
How to Protect Your Semi-Truck Interior from Salt
Road salt can damage the interior of your truck as well. It’s hard not to track in slush from your boots, and this slush contains road salt, which can melt and create stains on interior carpets and other surfaces. Here are a few methods to help prevent this damage:
Install Rubber Floor Mats
Rubber winter floor mats are essential for protecting your semi-truck’s flooring from salt and water damage during the colder months. Traction mats for semi-trucks are designed to trap and hold slush and salt, preventing them from seeping into the carpet beneath. Some mats can even be custom fit to your vehicle, ensuring that the tightest corners and smallest spaces are shielded from harm.
Additionally, rubber mats are easy to remove and clean, allowing for quick maintenance that helps keep the interior of your truck in top condition. Their durability and resistance to harsh conditions make them an invaluable investment for any truck driver looking to preserve the interior of their vehicle.
Use Seat Covers
Utilizing waterproof seat covers during the colder months is an effective way to protect your semi-truck seats from salt and moisture. These covers act as a barrier, preventing salt stains and water damage to the fabric underneath. They come in various materials, including neoprene and vinyl, which are easy to clean and durable against the harsh elements. Opting for custom-fit covers ensures that every part of the seat is protected, maintaining the interior’s appearance and comfort.
Use Protective Sprays on Interior Surfaces
Protective sprays designed for automotive interiors can shield surfaces like dashboards, door panels, and trim from moisture and salt. These sprays create a protective layer that repels water and prevents salt from embedding into the material, making it easier to keep the cabin clean. Look for sprays that are safe for use on your truck’s specific interior materials, and apply them regularly for best results, especially before the onset of winter.
Clean and Vacuum Regularly
Regular cleaning and vacuuming of your semi-truck’s interior are vital in preventing salt damage. Salt can quickly dissolve in moisture and penetrate deep into carpets and upholstery, leading to stains and corrosion. By vacuuming frequently and using automotive-specific cleaners to remove salt residues, you can maintain the interior’s cleanliness and prevent the long-term effects of salt exposure. This routine not only helps in preserving the truck’s value but also ensures a more pleasant and healthy environment for the driver.
Enhance Your Winter Driving Experience with Suburban Seating & Safety
As you take measures to protect your semi-truck from the ravages of road salt this winter, don’t forget that safety and comfort are equally paramount. At Suburban Seating & Safety, we understand the challenges of long winter drives, which is why we offer the complete Roadwatch Bullet Kit in both Fahrenheit and Celsius models, as well as ergonomic semi-truck seats designed for supreme comfort and support.
Our inventory also includes a wide range of safety accessories to complement your roadwatch sensor and ensure your winter journeys are both safe and comfortable. Don’t let winter weather compromise your driving experience. Equip your vehicle with our state-of-the-art Roadwatch Sensor today and explore our extensive selection of semi truck seats and safety accessories. Shop our website today or visit us at our Lodi, NJ showroom. At Suburban Seating & Safety, we’re committed to keeping you safe and comfortable on those long winter drives.
