Living in a coastal area has its perks, such as good weather, cool breeze year-round, and amazing views of the sea. While it offers you plenty of benefits, the environment can be harsh on your vehicle. Exposure to salty air from the sea or ocean can damage its auto body over time, making it look older, duller, and rusty. Here is a brief guide on ocean-related damage you should look out for.

Why Ocean Air Affects Auto Body

Ocean air contains salt that can speed up corrosion on your car’s metal parts—especially the auto body. The longer your car sits near salty water, the more corrosion happens. Salt-filled winds can result in faster rust formations on the car’s surface, and if left unaddressed, these can lead to severe exterior damage.

Salt can also make its way into the vehicle’s internal components, causing mechanical breakdowns. Additionally, the mix of sun and salty air can dull a car’s finish over time. Because the pores in the paint job tend to open with intense heat from the sun, further absorption of humid, salt-filled air occurs, leading the finish to fade. 

How to Prevent Salt-Related Damage

Ocean-related damage on your auto body can be prevented altogether by investing in a custom-fitted vehicle cover to serve as a barrier against salty seaside air. Your car’s hood, trunk, and roof are the most vulnerable to salty winds, so keep these areas covered whenever possible. For more protection, keep your car parked in a covered garage.

Establish routine car washes to get rid of dirt and road debris, particularly salt particles that you’ve picked up while driving. Rinse the undercarriage as well, especially if you drove through salty floodwaters. And be sure to wax your car between washes—or at least every six months. Doing so will not only keeps its surface glossy but also serve as an extra barrier against salt corrosion.

Keep your car’s paintwork in excellent condition with the right cover and frequent washing. For preventive maintenance on automotive painting, rely on the auto body professionals at Basic Auto Collision Team. Serving residents throughout Oahu, HI, they offer top-notch auto body and car repairs at reasonable rates. Call (808) 842-3966 to schedule a visit or visit their website for a list of their services.