De-salinization after upstate NY winter

evilstevie · February 26, 2017

I suppose this topic applies to any rust belt state, not just NY, buy anyway....

We've had a heck of a warm stretch here this past week, so I took the opportunity to stick the hose under the 2016 Sierra and wash the 15 lbs. of accumulated road salt, cinders, mud, etc. out from underneath. I have made it a point to take it to the car wash weekly when the weather has been above freezing this winter as well.

Any tricks, techniques, or known problem areas that I need to focus on? I'm aware of potential rust issues in the corners of the rear bumper, so I did focus on cleaning out both front and rear bumpers, including the corners. My buddy with a Ram makes it a point to take his tail lights out every spring, and spray into his rear fender area. That's an apparent problem area with Rams. I did not open the hood and spray down the engine bay yet, but that's probably a good project for tomorrow. Anything else I should make it a point to hit on this GMC?

Sir Dan · February 26, 2017

In my experience, there is just no way to prevent the salt from getting in and eventually rusting everything made from steel. I've had new cars/trucks that I was super fussy about cleaning every nook and cranny and having undercoatings put on that still rusted. If you have a heated garage, the corrosion goes up to the next level since warming the vehicle up really activates the chemical reaction. It's an awful shame that we have to put all this crap on our roads because it really does cause the premature death of vehicles, but it's the cost of having safer roads I guess. Also, the impact from all those many thousands of tons of salt into the surface soil/water can't be good.

ShamrockShooter · February 26, 2017

Trade it in every 3 to 4 years is the approach I take in NY. Then you don't have to worry about rust. I just get under with the pressure washer every time it gets above freezing.

Eddie 70 · February 26, 2017

I have a lawn sprinkler I put underneath mine when the weather gets a little warm and let it run. I put it near the rear of the truck for about 10 minutes so it can work the bed area over pretty good. Then I move it toward the rear of the cab and let it run for about 10 minutes then I move it toward the engine compartment and let it run for about 10 minutes. I make sure everytime I wash the truck I squirt the wheel wells, under the body and under the bed and bumper areas really well with high pressure water. I HATE that salt/brine is the answer to a little panic about freezing weather here in East Tennessee.

Daryl LBZ · February 27, 2017

I have a lawn sprinkler I put underneath mine when the weather gets a little warm and let it run. I put it near the rear of the truck for about 10 minutes so it can work the bed area over pretty good. Then I move it toward the rear of the cab and let it run for about 10 minutes then I move it toward the engine compartment and let it run for about 10 minutes. I make sure everytime I wash the truck I squirt the wheel wells, under the body and under the bed and bumper areas really well with high pressure water. I HATE that salt/brine is the answer to a little panic about freezing weather here in East Tennessee.

How often do they use it down your way? We're moving in a few years and Tennessee is on the top of our list. Was hoping to get away from this liquid chloride crap they use in PA.

tuckersnator · February 28, 2017

I have a lawn sprinkler I put underneath mine when the weather gets a little warm and let it run. I put it near the rear of the truck for about 10 minutes so it can work the bed area over pretty good. Then I move it toward the rear of the cab and let it run for about 10 minutes then I move it toward the engine compartment and let it run for about 10 minutes. I make sure everytime I wash the truck I squirt the wheel wells, under the body and under the bed and bumper areas really well with high pressure water. I HATE that salt/brine is the answer to a little panic about freezing weather here in East Tennessee.

That's a great idea. I am a dummy and lay in the snow and ice in my driveway with a garden hose. The one place that I think the garden nozzle would be better is the rear wheel well. There is a nice little salt catching lip there that I am sure will rust.

Northman · February 28, 2017

I think washing a vehicle in the winter is the worst thing you can do unless you immediately put it in a heated area to dry out. Up here in ND that nice clean wash water freezes in every nook and cranny putting pressure on all the seals and trim pieces resulting in loose parts, adhesive failure, and sun roof problems. Best to just leave it dirty until spring. Just my 2 cents.

sdeeter19555 · February 28, 2017

I think washing a vehicle in the winter is the worst thing you can do unless you immediately put it in a heated area to dry out. Up here in ND that nice clean wash water freezes in every nook and cranny putting pressure on all the seals and trim pieces resulting in loose parts, adhesive failure, and sun roof problems. Best to just leave it dirty until spring. Just my 2 cents.

The heated garage will actually cause a vehicle to rust out faster in a salty environment...makes the chemical reaction happen faster.

You would probably not get it all washed out anyway...

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Bmz72 · March 2, 2017

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stg1dom · March 2, 2017

I would suggest anyone that buys a new truck or "newer" in the northeast check out a product called waxoyl. I did my wife's trailblazer 6 years ago and the undercarriage still looks great. I still do try and hose off the under neath after a storm or go to the car wash often. The stuff lasts and they spray it in the drain holes, frame, doors, rockers etc. you can watch a video on YouTube. Well worth the money if you plan on keeping your trucks. I just did my 16 Silverado a year ago.

Eddie 70 · March 5, 2017

I mentioned earlier about using a lawn sprinkler. My son brought over his wifes Toyota Highlander and we changed oil and cleaned it up. I squirted the wheel wells out and and used the lawn sprinkler under the truck.

Not the cheapest sprinkler at Walmart but like the middle of the road for like $10.

nitruc · March 19, 2017

I got my 2015 GMC Sierra in April, had is rusty jones under coated...... Then decided to store it for the winter as the salt is violent on vehicles. My guess is as the other poster said trade it every 3-4 years, can't keep anything nice in NY if you run it in the winter.

AllTerrainX · March 20, 2017

I got my 2015 GMC Sierra in April, had is rusty jones under coated...... Then decided to store it for the winter as the salt is violent on vehicles.

I just bought my '16 ATX in Oct '15 and just decided to store it for the winter and drive my subie. I want to keep my truck as long as I can and salt free.