Undercarriage Cleaning & Care
04-03-2013, 05:55 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Undercarriage Cleaning & Care
When washing the vehicle ensure that all salt is removed to avoid a saline solution remaining on the paint finish. Using a durable protection (Collinite Insulator Wax) will provide a sacrificial and renewable protection to the vehicles paint finish.
The salts (often mixed with grit / sand for tyre adhesion) commonly used are;
(a) Sodium chloride (NaCl) the most common salt used
(b) Calcium chloride (CaCl2) works at lower temperatures than sodium chloride.
(c) Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is the name for the chemical compounds and its various hydrates MgCl2 (H2O)
These salts are typical ionic halides, being highly soluble in water. One of the problems with this chemical is that it attracts moisture, making the most aggressive of the road salts.
Magnesium chloride is very effective even at the lowest temperatures but also contains the most aggressive corrosives (especially on glass surfaces) and a sprayed brine solution, it is used to prevent snow / ice adhesion to the road surface.
A number of state highway departments throughout the United States have decreased the use of rock salt and sand on roadways and have increased the use of solutions of magnesium chloride (often called "liquid magnesium chloride") as a de-icer. Magnesium chloride is much less toxic to plant life surrounding highways and airports, and is less corrosive to concrete and steel (and other iron alloys) than sodium chloride.
Undercarriage Cleaning & Care
Your vehicle’s undercarriage; it’s what you don't see that silently awaits underneath your cars. Removing sprayed brine solution to protect your undercarriage is just as important as detailing the paint. Wheel wells, sub-frame, springs, fender well and all of the other black and gray parts underneath the body need detailing too.
Although dry salt is inert 15 – 20.oF (9 – 29.oC) is considered the lower limit for salt to melt snow and ice but once H2O, even in the form of moist air (i.e. humidity) is added the freezing point is lowered and the sprayed brine solution (pH 8.5) used on roads will have an adverse effect (the formation of rust and/or corrosion) on the vehicles paint and undercarriage.
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) attracts moisture from the air making it more aggressive than salt because it is active even when “dry”. Magnesium Chloride is basically ‘liquid rust’. It clings to everything and it attracts moisture – and it does not wash off easily”.
After removing dirt, road grime, and etc with P21S® High Performance Total Auto Wash or Optimum™ Polymer Technologies - Power Clean- use a pressure washer
Never go underneath a car supported by the supplied jack - always use axle stands if you wish to work underneath the car. Always jack the car up at the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Ensure the jack is in stable contact with both the jacking point (see owner's manual) and the ground. Always work on level ground.
Wheel Wells (Drain holes)
OEM panels are provided with drain holes in the bottom of the doors and wheel wells of the quarter panels. These should be inspected and cleaned out periodically to ensure there is no salt or road grit accumulation.
The wheels kick up a lot of dirt along with driving through slushy snow mixed with sand and salt. Problem comes when the dirt and sand block the drain holes allowing wet salt to remain in these areas. This accumulated road grit and sand (along with road salt) as you drive the panels flex and the debris acts like an abrasive working from the inside along with the corrosion process.
Carefully inspect the wheel wells to locate the drain holes for future reference
ValuGuard Rust Preventive (VG-101) is a wax-based anti corrosive aerosol that provides corrosion protection and crevice penetration. Simple to install using the proven effective atomizing method of application, which preserves the vehicle body from expensive and dangerous rust breakthrough No holes drilled method complies with ASTM-B117 and entails no destruction of the factory paint film or compromise to the structural integrity of the vehicle.
High Pressure Under body Lance
Angled spray lance connected to a power washer, this set-up is specifically designed to clean those hard to reach areas under the wheel arches and the under carriage. Inlet Connection: ¼ - inch Female connection QC Plug - Max Flow: 3.5 to 6.0 GPM –Under body Lance - http://pri-industries-inc.amazonwebs...B0065OYYQQ.htm
a) Undercarriage cleaning- thoroughly spray an undiluted citrus cleaner (P2IS Total Auto Wash) and let it soak in; remove by thoroughly rinsing with water. Fill pressure washer tank with citrus cleaner and spray undercarriage (do not use excess pressure as water may penetrate crevices and seams where it cannot drain, causing corrosion), let it soak and then remove with plain water.
b) Undercarriage Salt Removal - spray undercarriage with ValuGuard Proguard Magnesium Chloride Remover - VG-502 - An alkaline (pH 12) liquid concentrate, a blend of detergents that penetrates and disperses road and salt film, which after rinsing leaves the surface charged to repel dirt and soil. Low foam for better penetration into seams where Magnesium Chloride is difficult to remove
Cleans Magnesium Chloride residue from all surfaces and will help brighten aluminum surfaces without etching and also works well to remove bugs, tar, and asphalt. Designed to be applied by brush, moderate or high pressure spray, and can also be used in steam cleaning applications. This product is completely biodegradable
Do not allow to dry on vehicle. For cleaning tough areas like wheel wells, chassis, and very soiled wheels apply VG-502 at 1-1 mix to wet surface, allow to set for 3-5 minutes, Agitate as needed and then rinse with moderate to high-pressure water spray for a clean surface. Dry all painted and glass surfaces after rinsing to prevent water spotting.
The salts (often mixed with grit / sand for tyre adhesion) commonly used are;
(a) Sodium chloride (NaCl) the most common salt used
(b) Calcium chloride (CaCl2) works at lower temperatures than sodium chloride.
(c) Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is the name for the chemical compounds and its various hydrates MgCl2 (H2O)
These salts are typical ionic halides, being highly soluble in water. One of the problems with this chemical is that it attracts moisture, making the most aggressive of the road salts.
Magnesium chloride is very effective even at the lowest temperatures but also contains the most aggressive corrosives (especially on glass surfaces) and a sprayed brine solution, it is used to prevent snow / ice adhesion to the road surface.
A number of state highway departments throughout the United States have decreased the use of rock salt and sand on roadways and have increased the use of solutions of magnesium chloride (often called "liquid magnesium chloride") as a de-icer. Magnesium chloride is much less toxic to plant life surrounding highways and airports, and is less corrosive to concrete and steel (and other iron alloys) than sodium chloride.
Undercarriage Cleaning & Care
Your vehicle’s undercarriage; it’s what you don't see that silently awaits underneath your cars. Removing sprayed brine solution to protect your undercarriage is just as important as detailing the paint. Wheel wells, sub-frame, springs, fender well and all of the other black and gray parts underneath the body need detailing too.
Although dry salt is inert 15 – 20.oF (9 – 29.oC) is considered the lower limit for salt to melt snow and ice but once H2O, even in the form of moist air (i.e. humidity) is added the freezing point is lowered and the sprayed brine solution (pH 8.5) used on roads will have an adverse effect (the formation of rust and/or corrosion) on the vehicles paint and undercarriage.
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) attracts moisture from the air making it more aggressive than salt because it is active even when “dry”. Magnesium Chloride is basically ‘liquid rust’. It clings to everything and it attracts moisture – and it does not wash off easily”.
After removing dirt, road grime, and etc with P21S® High Performance Total Auto Wash or Optimum™ Polymer Technologies - Power Clean- use a pressure washer
Never go underneath a car supported by the supplied jack - always use axle stands if you wish to work underneath the car. Always jack the car up at the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Ensure the jack is in stable contact with both the jacking point (see owner's manual) and the ground. Always work on level ground.
Wheel Wells (Drain holes)
OEM panels are provided with drain holes in the bottom of the doors and wheel wells of the quarter panels. These should be inspected and cleaned out periodically to ensure there is no salt or road grit accumulation.
The wheels kick up a lot of dirt along with driving through slushy snow mixed with sand and salt. Problem comes when the dirt and sand block the drain holes allowing wet salt to remain in these areas. This accumulated road grit and sand (along with road salt) as you drive the panels flex and the debris acts like an abrasive working from the inside along with the corrosion process.
Carefully inspect the wheel wells to locate the drain holes for future reference
ValuGuard Rust Preventive (VG-101) is a wax-based anti corrosive aerosol that provides corrosion protection and crevice penetration. Simple to install using the proven effective atomizing method of application, which preserves the vehicle body from expensive and dangerous rust breakthrough No holes drilled method complies with ASTM-B117 and entails no destruction of the factory paint film or compromise to the structural integrity of the vehicle.
High Pressure Under body Lance
Angled spray lance connected to a power washer, this set-up is specifically designed to clean those hard to reach areas under the wheel arches and the under carriage. Inlet Connection: ¼ - inch Female connection QC Plug - Max Flow: 3.5 to 6.0 GPM –Under body Lance - http://pri-industries-inc.amazonwebs...B0065OYYQQ.htm
a) Undercarriage cleaning- thoroughly spray an undiluted citrus cleaner (P2IS Total Auto Wash) and let it soak in; remove by thoroughly rinsing with water. Fill pressure washer tank with citrus cleaner and spray undercarriage (do not use excess pressure as water may penetrate crevices and seams where it cannot drain, causing corrosion), let it soak and then remove with plain water.
b) Undercarriage Salt Removal - spray undercarriage with ValuGuard Proguard Magnesium Chloride Remover - VG-502 - An alkaline (pH 12) liquid concentrate, a blend of detergents that penetrates and disperses road and salt film, which after rinsing leaves the surface charged to repel dirt and soil. Low foam for better penetration into seams where Magnesium Chloride is difficult to remove
Cleans Magnesium Chloride residue from all surfaces and will help brighten aluminum surfaces without etching and also works well to remove bugs, tar, and asphalt. Designed to be applied by brush, moderate or high pressure spray, and can also be used in steam cleaning applications. This product is completely biodegradable
Do not allow to dry on vehicle. For cleaning tough areas like wheel wells, chassis, and very soiled wheels apply VG-502 at 1-1 mix to wet surface, allow to set for 3-5 minutes, Agitate as needed and then rinse with moderate to high-pressure water spray for a clean surface. Dry all painted and glass surfaces after rinsing to prevent water spotting.
Last edited by TOGWT; 05-05-2013 at 02:28 PM.
04-20-2013, 09:19 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
On my daily driver, I don't bother washing the salt away. That is done after a few rainy day drives.
What I do bother doing is spraying the underside and internal body panels with Krown T-40 every fall. I've been using this product since 1990.
Fourteen extremely harsh winters later, my car is rust-free. The last car was sixteen years old when we sold it...rust-free.
What I do bother doing is spraying the underside and internal body panels with Krown T-40 every fall. I've been using this product since 1990.
Fourteen extremely harsh winters later, my car is rust-free. The last car was sixteen years old when we sold it...rust-free.
