Drivers warned: Grit can damage your car

Motorists hoping to avoid a car or van insurance claim this winter might want to beware the effects gritted roads may have on their vehicles.

Auto care firm Autoglym is warning drivers that the massive quantity of salt spread over roads in recent weeks may damage their vehicle's exterior trim and paintwork.

"Road salt can speed the corrosion of unprotected paintwork, as well as damage exposed plastic and rubber surfaces," commented the firm's chief executive office Paul Caller.

With an average of 60,000 tonnes of salt deposited on the roads every day in the past few weeks, Autoglym advises drivers to ensure their cars are washed and given a good polish or coating of wax.

Shampoos and cleansers can be used to get rid of excess dirt and specialist waxes not only enhance the vehicle's appearance but can also provide protection against the elements - potentially helping drivers avoid car insurance claims.

The company has also issued a number of pointers for motorists to follow, including dislodging mud and salt that can collect under wheel arches, clean cars periodically during the winter months and store a full-strength de-icer in the vehicle to keep windscreens clear.

Drivers are advised not to use washing up liquid to clean their vehicles as some fluids can remove protective coatings while using boiling water to de-ice the car is also a bad idea as it can crack the glass.

It recently emerged that the seaside town of Blackpool in Lancashire spent £35,000 on grit during the wintry weather to keep local roads safe, the Gazette reports.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group