Ask the Expert: Why are we seeing increased corrosion in our fleets?

March 31, 2015
Corrosion concern can be worse today with magnesium chloride and calcium chloride liquid deicers being used on roadways.

Q: Why are we seeing increased corrosion in our fleets? 

A: Corrosion concern can be worse today with magnesium chloride and calcium chloride liquid deicers being used on roadways. These liquid deicers can save departments of transportation a considerable amount of money and have fewer negative effects on the environment, but they find their way into cracks and crevices and stay there. The liquid deicers love to absorb water and will stay wet much longer then old fashioned sodium chloride rock salt. Metal, oxygen and an electrolyte (water or salt water) creates a hotbed to breed corrosion. Subsequently, the longer the deicer stays wet the longer it can cause damage. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride will stay wet at lower humidity levels. Couple these issues with additives that increase adhesion to the roadway and not only does this increase adhesion to the roadway, but also increases adhesion to the under carriage of your fleet.

Information provided by: Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.