Salt air and corrosion on coastal cars

Much of life in the south of Tenerife happens close to the sea. And the marine environment, with its humidity and the salt particles carried by the wind, is one of the factors that most speeds up corrosion on a car. You do not need to park on the seafront: salt air travels a fair way inland.

Why salt speeds up rust

Rust forms when steel is in contact with oxygen and moisture. Salt dissolved in that moisture makes the reaction go faster. Salt also draws moisture from the air, so surfaces with salt residue take longer to dry. It is the perfect combination for metal to deteriorate.

Where it usually starts

• Underside: floor pan, chassis rails, crossmembers and joints with seam sealer.
• Wheel arches: mud, sand and salt build up there.
• Bottom edges of doors and tailgate, where water collects if the drain holes are blocked.
• Areas with damaged paint: scratches, stone chips or dents that leave bare metal.
• Bolts, brackets and unpainted metal parts.

How to spot it early

Corrosion usually gives warning before it becomes serious. Look out for:

• Small bubbles or blisters under the paint: often rust creeping underneath.
• Brown or orange stains on edges, seams or around trims.
• Paint flaking off along the bottom of the doors.
• Cracked or lifting seam sealer that lets water reach the metal.

The sooner it is dealt with, the simpler the repair. A small bubble can be treated; a rusted-through area may need metal replaced or welded.

Habits that help

1. Wash the car regularly, including the underside and wheel arches, especially after a trip to the beach or driving along the coast on a windy day.
2. Rinse with plenty of fresh water. A wash without a proper rinse leaves salt behind.
3. Check the drain holes in the doors and around the sunroof if you have one, so water does not collect inside.
4. Repair scratches down to bare metal promptly. In the meantime, protect them from moisture.
5. Vacuum sand out of the interior: sand brought in on towels and beach chairs ends up in carpets and corners and holds moisture.

Protective treatments

On top of factory protection, anti-corrosion treatments can be applied to the underside and to inner cavities of the bodywork, such as inside chassis rails and doors. They create a barrier against moisture and salt. They do not make the car immune, but they help extend the life of the metal, especially on cars that live by the sea. Which treatment suits depends on the car, its age and its condition.

Rust never rests. Today's stain at the bottom of a door can be a hole in a few months.

At Green Car Service Tenerife we check the condition of the bodywork and apply the right anti-corrosion treatment for each case. If there is already damage, we take care of the panel repair. Book an appointment and we will take a look.