LACONIA — Wes Anderson has seen both sides of the problem of salt corrosion. As Public Works director for Laconia, he manages the application of salt brine to help keep roadways clear of ice. Dry salt is applied in heavy snow situations. In his previous p

By RICK GREEN, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — Wes Anderson has seen both sides of the problem of salt corrosion.

As Public Works director for Laconia, he manages the application of salt brine to help keep roadways clear of ice. Dry salt is applied in heavy snow situations.

In his previous position as head of fleet management for Manchester, he was responsible for 500 vehicles. Many sustained corrosion damage caused by road salt.

His advice: Get to the car wash after the storm passes.

"Back when I worked for the city of Manchester, we would tell workers to wait for the road to dry and get the vehicles washed because salt can cause rust and corrosion," he said.

The best type of car wash for this purpose is one that has an underbody spray that can clean off salt that sticks to the bottom of vehicles, where rust can damage important components. Underbody protective treatments can also be effective.

Laconia began spraying the brine solution for the first time this year.

Dan Goodman, spokesman for AAA Northern New England, said such liquids can be even more damaging to vehicles than dry salt, because the fluid can get into tight places subject to accelerated corrosion.

Pat Moody, public affairs manager for the same organization, said drivers need to be attentive to corrosion caused by salt.

"This can be much more than a cosmetic issue, it can also create serious safety issues for drivers by impacting brake lines, exhaust systems, fuel tanks and electrical connections," Moody said.

Alysa Reich, spokeswoman for the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, said about 50 percent of automobile corrosion is attributable to de-icing salt. She suggests:

• Keep your car parked outdoors as the warmth of an indoor garage melts salty ice on the car and speeds the corrosion process.

• Repair dents and scratches where corrosion can start.

• Pay special attention to cleaning brake and wheel components.