Living near the ocean has many benefits, including beautiful views, the fresh smell of the ocean breeze, and quick access to the sand and water, but there are some things drivers should know about how coastal elements can affect cars. Here at Delray Honda, we've noticed how our beautiful South Florida coastal environment presents unique challenges for vehicles.
Salt Mist Is Surreptitiously Corrosive
Being in constant proximity to ocean salt can cause metal to rust quickly. Cars about 10 miles away from the beach aren't typically affected by this, but if you live closer or visit the beach often, you should invest time in preventative measures that'll protect your vehicle from rusting. Start by making sure you keep an eye on areas like the door edges, hood & trunk, and try to keep your vehicle covered when it's not in use, whether you pull into a garage or use a car cover. Also, make sure to wash your vehicle often, about once a week, and wax it about once a month. Corrosion can be expensive to repair, so don't neglect to follow these guidelines if you live near the water.
When Combined Sun & Salt Damage Paint
Wondering why your car paint already looks damaged when your vehicle isn't all that old? It could be due to salty ocean spray and sun exposure. Salt is already corrosive on its own, but when the sun is out it can cause the pores in your car's paint to expand, which means the paint will absorb even more salt, resulting in even more corrosion. Again, to prevent this, it's very important to keep your car covered whenever possible and to wash and wax it on a regular basis. Our Delray service team has seen how saltwater damage to cars can significantly reduce their value and appearance over time.
What Else You Can Do to Protect Your Car
If you don't have a garage, try to park facing a building or simply away from the direction of the wind if you want to attempt to keep your vehicle protected from salt particles. Make sure to wash under your car from time to time as well, which will clear away any corrosive sand and salt buildup in areas you can't easily see. Many drivers ask us if cars rust faster in Florida, and the answer depends greatly on your proximity to saltwater.
Also keep in mind that experts say damage from ocean particles won't necessarily show up until after five to seven years of exposure. So, once your vehicle has reached this age, keep an extra close eye on it to determine if it needs to be taken in for service. Our team at Delray Honda is always here to help assess salt-related wear and provide solutions that protect your investment.
