A cold morning, a hidden enemy

You get in your car in the morning, the windows are frozen and you see the road glistening in the streetlights. The municipality has been busy gritting again yesterday. A reassuring thought, because you don't want to slide on slippery roads. But as you drive off, you hear the crunch of small salt granules against the wheel arches. You don't immediately think about it, but that same gritting salt that enhances your safety is a silent enemy to your car's paintwork. You wonder: how bad is this for my car and what can I do about it?

What does gritting salt do to your car?

The Netherlands experiences harsh winters where de-icing is necessary. Rijkswaterstaat annually spreads an average of 80 to 90 million kilograms of salt on the roads, and in extreme winters, this can even go up to 191 million kilograms. This salt – a mixture of sodium chloride and calcium chloride – melts ice, but also adheres to your paint, rims, and the underside of the car.

In combination with moisture and oxygen, it causes a chemical reaction that accelerates the rusting process. Especially with damage to the paintwork, corrosion gets free rein. This means that vehicles in winter can suffer much faster from rust formation and that parts such as wheel arches and sills are extra vulnerable.

In addition, gritting salt works in a similar way to dish soap for your car's paintwork. While it is intended to melt ice, it also breaks down protective wax layers, making the paint more vulnerable to dirt and corrosion. This makes it even more important to apply the correct cleaning and protection methods after exposure to brine.

How do you protect your paint and rims from brine?

Fortunately, you can protect your car from these aggressive influences. By applying the right products and methods, you not only prevent brine accumulation but also ensure that your paint and rims remain protected for a long time.

Cleaning: Remove brine before it causes damage

Brine not only sticks to the paint but also attracts moisture. Regular washing is the first line of defense. Use for this:

• RUSH Pre Wash – a powerful pre-cleaner that loosens stubborn dirt, gritting salt, and deposits without damaging the paint.

• RUSH Gold Wash – a mild but effective shampoo that safely cleans the paint and prevents salt residues from being left behind.

Note: do not wash your car with hot water, as this can cause the salt to penetrate even deeper into the paint.

Protection: Create a barrier against brine

In addition to cleaning, preventive protection is essential. Products such as:

• RUSH Nano Wet Coat – a hydrophobic coating that lays a protective layer over the paint and prevents dirt and salt from settling.

• RUSH Spray Wax – ideal for applying an extra protective layer after each wash, which not only seals the paint but also provides a beautiful shine.

By using these products regularly, the paint remains in top condition for longer, and harmful influences like brine have less grip.

Extra attention for rims and tires

The underside of the car, including the wheel arches and rims, receives the most brine. Brake dust, dirt, and salt form an aggressive combination that affects rims. Use for this:

• RUSH Tire Brush – effortlessly removes brake dust and gritting salt, without damaging the rim coating.

• RUSH Rubber Care – protects tires against drying out due to brine and ensures they retain their elasticity.

By regularly applying these products, you significantly extend the lifespan of your rims and tires.

Is your car extra vulnerable? Coastal areas and additional risks

Not only gritting salt but also sea salt can pose a threat to your car. Do you live on the coast? Then your vehicle is exposed to microscopic salt particles in the air all year round. This means that cars in coastal areas run an even higher risk of corrosion and paint damage.

For car owners in these areas, a combination of regular cleaning and durable protection is not a luxury but a necessity. The use of products like RUSH Nano Wet Coat and Spray Wax is especially important here to keep the paint barrier intact.

Back to that cold morning…

You park your car back home at the end of the day. The traces of brine are still visible on the wheel arches. This time you know exactly what to do: a quick rinse with RUSH Pre Wash to remove salt residues and a protective layer with Nano Wet Coat to prevent further damage.

Winter can do its worst, but your car is ready to battle brine and gritting salt. Not just clean, but also protected.