Road salt and grit helps people travel safely, it provides traction and melts ice but it has drawbacks. It can cause major body and undercarriage damage to your vehicles.
Your vehicle’s undercarriage; it’s what you don't see that silently wait underneath your cars. Removing sprayed brine solution to protect your undercarriage is just as important as detailing the paint. Wheel wells, sub-frame, springs, fender well and all of the other black and gray parts underneath the body need detailing too.
Although dry salt is inert 15 – 20.F (9 – 29.C ) is considered the lower limit for salt to melt snow and ice but once H2O, even in the form of moist air (i.e. humidity) is added the freezing point is lowered and the sprayed brine solution (pH 8.5) used on roads will have an adverse effect (the formation of rust and/or corrosion) on the vehicles paint and undercarriage. Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) attracts moisture from the air making it more aggressive than salt because it is active even when “dry”. Magnesium Chloride is basically ‘liquid rust’. It clings to everything and it attracts moisture – and it does not wash off easily”.
Removal of Road Salt
Although salt is inert when subjected to freezing (15 – 20. oF) it’s considered the lower limit for salt to melt snow/ice but once H2O, even in the form of moist air (i.e. humidity) is added the freezing point is lowered and the saline solution(salt/water) will have an adverse effect on the vehicles paint and undercarriage.
When washing the vehicle ensure that all salt is removed to avoid a saline solution remaining on the paint finish. Using a durable protection (Collinite Insulator Wax) will provide a sacrificial and renewable protection to the vehicles paint finish. Do not dilute, ValuGard Rust Inhibitor can be spray applied
The salts (often mixed with grit / sand for tyre adhesion) commonly used are;
(a) Sodium chloride (NaCl) the most common salt used
(b) Calcium chloride (CaCl2) works at lower temperatures than sodium chloride.
(c) Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is the name for the chemical compounds and its various hydrates MgCl2 (H2O) x.
These salts are typical ionic halides, being highly soluble in water. This compound forms a crystalline film on the body and the windows of vehicles that is difficult to wash off. It draws moisture from the air and the residue on the vehicle becomes actively corrosive at humidity rates below 25 percent.
Although salt is inert when subjected to freezing (15 – 20. oF) it’s considered the lower limit for salt to melt snow/ice but once H2O, even in the form of moist air (i.e. humidity) is added the freezing point is lowered and the saline solution(salt/water) will have an adverse effect on the vehicles paint and undercarriage.
Magnesium chloride is very effective even at the lowest temperatures but also contains the most aggressive corrosives (especially on glass surfaces) and a sprayed brine solution, it is used to prevent snow / ice adhesion to the road surface.
A number of state highway departments throughout the United States have decreased the use of rock salt and sand on roadways and have increased the use of solutions of magnesium chloride (often called "liquid magnesium chloride") as a de-icer. Magnesium chloride is much less toxic to plant life surrounding highways and airports, and is less corrosive to concrete and steel (and other iron alloys) than sodium chloride.
ValuGard Corrosion & Rust Protection Products - “Four Steps for Protecting Your Car from Rust” http://www.valugard.net/#
After removing dirt, road grime, and etc with P21S® High Performance Total Auto Wash or Optimum™ Polymer Technologies - Power Clean- use a pressure washer
Never go underneath a car supported by the supplied jack - always use axle stands if you wish to work underneath the car. Always jack the car up at the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Ensure the jack is in stable contact with both the jacking point (see owner's manual) and the ground. Always work on level ground.
High Pressure Under body Lance
Angled spray lance connected to a power washer, this set-up is specifically designed to clean those hard to reach areas under the wheel arches and the undercarriage. Inlet Connection: ¼ - inch Female connection QC Plug - Max Flow: 3.5 to 6.0 GPM - https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/BE-85.400.062/p16487.html
A spray lance connected to a power washer, this set-up is specifically designed to clean those hard to reach areas under the wheel arches and the undercarriage. Inlet Connection: 1/4 - inch female QC Plug - Max Pressure: 4,000 PSI - Max Flow: 3.5 to 6.0 GPM
Methodology
Magnesium chloride [: is the name for the chemical compound with the formula MgCl2 and its various hydrates MgCl2(H2O)x.] These salts are typical ionic halides, being highly soluble in water.
a) Undercarriage cleaning- thoroughly spray an undiluted citrus cleaner (P2IS Total Auto Wash) and let it soak in; remove by thoroughly rinsing with water. Fill pressure washer tank with citrus cleaner and spray undercarriage (do not use excess pressure as water may penetrate crevices and seams where it cannot drain, causing corrosion), let it soak and then remove with plain water.
b) Undercarriage Salt Removal - spray undercarriage with ValuGuard Proguard Truck and Trailer Wash is an alkaline (pH 12.5) liquid concentrate, which is a blend of detergents that penetrates and disperses Magnesium Chloride, is the name for the chemical compound with the formula MgCl2 and its various hydrates These salts are typical ionic halides, being highly soluble in water, which after rinsing leaves the surface charged to repel dirt and soil. Low foam for better penetration into seams where Magnesium Chloride is difficult to remove
Cleans salt residue from all surfaces and will help brighten aluminum surfaces without etching and also works well to remove bugs, tar, and asphalt. Designed to be applied by brush, moderate or high pressure spray, and can also be used in steam cleaning applications. Product is completely biodegradable
Do not allow to dry on vehicle undercarriage. For cleaning tough areas like wheel wells, chassis, and very soiled wheels apply VG-502 at 1-1 mix to wet surface, allow to set for 3-5 minutes, agitate as needed and then rinse with moderate to high-pressure water spray for a clean surface. Dry all painted and glass surfaces after rinsing to prevent water spotting.
Wurth High Build Underbody Under Seal is a rubberized coating for undercarriage resurfacing that provides a permanent black finish that protects against road debris. It’s easy to use and fast drying making it ideal for resurfacing wheel wells and lower rocker panels. This product provides a permanent, flexible black finish that will protect against road debris such as rust, rocks, water and other road debris.
Application -clean area with a degreaser such as Wurth Clean Solve, rinse and allow to dry completely. Mask off areas not being treated. Spray and allow to dry for 30-40 minutes before driving the vehicle.
Personal Protection Equipment
Suitable eye, body protection and chemical resistant gloves (avoid prolonged skin contact)
This system is the most recognized by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs as well as their paint suppliers, BASF, DuPont, and PPG approved chemical neutralization system in the industry. In fact, major auto manufacturers have issued technical service bulletins/advisories directing their dealers and port operations to use the ValuGard System for required repairs and pre-treatment for acid rain and industrial fallout repairs.
Acids react with ferric iron Fe3+ (rust), ferrous iron (Fe2+) or steel (the metal used for auto construction) or aluminium. So be cognizant that acidic products have the potential to start the corrosion process, especially if they become trapped and not rinsed away
This system removes, industrial fallout, rail dust, acid rain, oxidation, silicone and waxes, tar and road grime, tree sap, love bugs and other insects, bird droppings, and hard water spots. No other paint cleaning method removes paint contaminants this efficiently. A three step system with a sequence of neutralization and neutralizing wash system formulated to remove industrial fallout, rail dust, hard water deposits, acid rain residue and other forms of pollutants.
The (a) Acid Neutralizer expands and enters the paint system and goes after any acid residues, it’s an exothermic which opens the paint micro pores to enable the (b) Alkaline Neutralizer. (c )The Detail Wash is used as a paint surface wash, the final step to neutralize both the alkaline and the acidic. Thus creating a chemical balance in the paint system matrix (resins binder system, and etc) these are the reasons that the car manufactures require the products be used as a complete system
Acid Neutralizer
Removes all waxes, sealant, silicones, road grime, lot stains and storage stains and neutralizes acids deposited on the paint surface and in the pores of the paint during transportation and storage.
Removes storage / dealer lot stains and wax build-up. Excellent pre-wash for body shops - removes silicones, waxes and other contaminants before sanding.
Alkaline Neutralizer
The second step of our Neutralization System, which deep-cleans painted surfaces to remove alkaline deposits. Also dissolves ferrous metal particles (rail dust) while breaking their bond to the paint so that they safely and easily float away.
Detail Wash
The third step in our neutralization process, Detail Wash is a fine vehicle wash solution designed to return the paint to its original factory pH level. A true neutral car wash shampoo not a soap, it will not strip waxes or sealants and is safe for use on all painted surfaces, trim and wheels. Excellent for everyday use, Detail Wash produces super long-lasting suds that remove dirt without stripping waxes, polishes or sealants. 128:1 super concentrate
The Alkaline Neutralizer (part B) removes such a broad range of contaminants that it is in a different category from the ferrous iron particulate removal systems (Iron X et al) and is therefore one of the best product out there for ‘everyday’ acid decontamination needs
The acids used in both Finish Kare and ValuGuard decontamination system are phosphoric and sulphuric acids, both strong acids that readily dissociate and are very effective in dissolving the metallic component of brake dust allowing the carbon component to be rinsed away
A three step neutralization and wash system formulated to remove industrial fallout, rail dust, hard water deposits, acid rain residue and other forms of pollutants. I would recommend the use of this system for new or new to you vehicles as part of your new car prep
Benefits: Leaves paint surface uncontaminated for application of wax, polish or sealant. Allows for correct repair of superficial paint damage, reduces buff time on pre-owned vehicles. Thoroughly rinse the vehicle surfaces with clean water before application as this removes and softens hardened dirt deposits.
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