If you live in Torrance, CA you know that salt in the air can be incredibly damaging to a vehicle. There is no avoiding the fact that your auto will accumulate salt if you live anywhere near the ocean. There are some precautions that you can take to limit the damages, however. First, it is very important to wash your vehicle thoroughly, including spraying down the underside. If you have beachfront property, this should be a weekly occurrence. If you are further inland, you may be able to get by with less frequent washings. After washing your car, apply a layer of wax and wax sealant to every surface that can be waxed. The undercarriage of your auto cannot be waxed, but there are sealants that you either can apply yourself or have done professionally about twice a year, and hopefully avoid the need for auto repair.
Even if you take meticulous care of your vehicle, salt damage is inevitable. Be sure to examine your auto regularly for signs of salt damage. You will want to pay special attention to the hood, top, and rear deck of the auto because as ocean spray settles these are the most susceptible areas. If you have an auto with a vinyl top, make sure to inspect it closely. Vinyl is easily damaged by both the salt and the sun, and once it starts to deteriorate, salt spray can get underneath it and cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. You will also want to check the undercarriage, paying special attention to brake and fuel lines, as well as to any nuts and bolts. These are definitely not areas where you want rust or corrosion to continue.
Despite your best efforts, however, if you own your auto long enough, the ravages of time and seaside living will take their toll, and you will have to take it to an auto shop so that they can repair the damage done by salt and corrosion. When you are looking for an auto repair shop in Torrance, make sure to select one with certified technicians that you can trust. If you suspect that corrosion has caused major damage to the undercarriage of your auto, an auto repair shop that utilizes a top of the line resistance spot welding system can help to repair any stress points that might have been damaged.
Living near the ocean has many advantages, and most of us wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, it does take its toll in terms of damage to our vehicles. Regular care of your auto, especially in terms of waxing and washing, can stave off many problems, but when the time comes for auto repairs, make sure that you use a reliable and certified auto shop in the Torrance, CA, area.
