{"id":178,"date":"2017-04-20T14:38:45","date_gmt":"2017-04-20T14:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mchenrypcs.metro-studios.com\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2019-08-02T14:42:42","modified_gmt":"2019-08-02T14:42:42","slug":"corrosion-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/m.iphanwarellc.com\/blog\/corrosion-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Steps to Bust That Rust"},"content":{"rendered":"

At McHenry Pressure Cleaning Systems, we know the toll that salt corrosion can take on machinery. That\u2019s why we offer a full range of cleaning products to stop this mineral in its tracks. Our equipment protects metal substances from further corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Corrosion?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Corrosion is defined as wearing away and breakdown of solid materials, according to the Oxford Dictionary. While moisture is the most important factor for corrosion, temperature also plays a role. In fact, the corrosion rate can more than double for every 10 degrees it rises in temperature. It\u2019s in salty marine environments where corrosion rates dramatically increase.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand the causes of corrosion, the physical and financial damage it causes, and how to prevent it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it a Problem?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Corrosion can cause metals to become less structurally safe leading to continuous maintenance or worse, accidents or collapses. It can cover an entire surface to a small, specific area, so it\u2019s important to realize how your environment can affect your metal belongings and be aware of how to treat corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n

In its raw and dry form, salt (NaCl) has a neutral pH between 6-8. However, when it\u2019s used to melt ice and snow, it mixes with moisture; this powerful combination of salt and water accelerates the corrosion process.<\/span><\/p>\n

When road crews apply salt, the goal is to improve highway safety. That\u2019s because salt reduces the freezing or melting point of water. Applying salt to roads is critical for public safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though salt-treated roads are less slick and much safer for driving, the salt causes havoc on vehicles. The chemical concoction of oxygen and impurities releases ions on metallic surfaces; this chemical reaction results in a powerful recipe for salt corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"salt<\/strong><\/p>\n

How to Prevent Corrosion<\/b><\/h3>\n

By knowing the type of metal you\u2019re trying to protect, you can find the correct coating that will prevent corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beginning in the 1990s, some municipalities began treating winter roads with brine, a solution of salt in water. Brine treatment has become ever more popular over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brine is sprayed on as a liquid; its telltale sign is leaving lines on the highway. It sticks to and penetrates smaller spaces much more effectively than salt solutions. Brine is also safer for other drivers and is a much more economical solution than road salt. Also, because it\u2019s a liquid, it won\u2019t bounce up and hit your car.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, brine (magnesium chloride) is much more corrosive than rock salt. In fact, above 20 degrees, magnesium chloride can form acid and cause corrosion of metals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrine is highly effective but can cause serious damage to vehicles if it\u2019s not immediately addressed,\u201d said Bob Baboian, a fellow with the<\/span> National Association of Corrosion Engineers<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as it more effectively penetrates road spaces, brine also coats and clings to the surfaces of your car or truck, both outside and in the undercarriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Braving the Storm<\/b><\/h3>\n

You made it through an ice storm and are relieved to be pulling into your driveway or bay, but the salt or brine on your vehicle is just getting to work. In fact, the rusting process has already begun. If the salt mixture remains on your vehicle, it creates irreparable damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Corrosion can eat away at the frame of your vehicle, as well as in other places that are harder to see. Water and salt are kicked up in the underbelly of your car, where they sit and corrode. The DMV says the following areas are most at risk:<\/span><\/p>\n