When you think about the most common repair costs associated with owning a vehicle, the engine, tires, brakes, and transmission more than likely come to mind. However, one expense that is often overlooked comes from undercarriage damage.
The undercarriage is the section underneath that is exposed to the weather and other elements of the road. This includes some critical parts such as the axles, brake lines, exhaust and suspension.
You can always take your vehicle to an auto shop for preventative checks. However, if you have a mechanical background and the proper amount of space, there is also the option to search “car lift installation company near me” on the internet to acquire the necessary equipment that will allow you to perform the maintenance in your home garage. Either way, being proactive instead of reactive is the best approach that will keep your undercarriage healthy and functional.
The Cause of Undercarriage Damage
Several environmental factors can cause damage to a vehicle’s undercarriage. In regions where winter driving involves snow and icy driving conditions, salt is used to keep the roads safe. However, road salt can lead to corrosion over time if it accumulates and is never cleaned. The presence of mud has a similar effect because of its high moisture content. This has the potential to lead to rust issues.
Road conditions such as large potholes, loose gravel, and other road debris cause expensive damage to the different undercarriage components as well.
Undercarriage Damage Prevention
With a few preventative maintenance steps, you can avoid the financial stress brought by unexpected and costly undercarriage repairs.
- Pressure wash the area to loosen salt, mud and other road debris.
- Use a brush to remove any remaining contaminants after the pressure wash.
- Apply a coat of a degreaser to protect against future dirt and water exposure.
Most people don’t realize that undercarriage damage even exists until it is too late. However, with a thorough understanding of potential problems and simple solutions, you’ll be able to keep your car running smoothly on the road.
