How rustproofing ahead of winter extends your car's life

Prepping your vehicle for winter driving means more than protecting it from natural elements such as snow and ice.

The salt used on the roads can cause corrosion and rust.

“Salt is hitting us from all directions," said Franco Totino of Krown Atlantic.

Salty cities near the ocean like Halifax, N.S., have long used rustproof undercoatings for added vehicle protection, but the wide usage of brine spray that contains calcium and magnesium chlorides have made it even more critical.

“Some might think, 'well, I live in Toronto,or Calgary. Is it really that important?' Now, more than ever, many municipalities are switching over to brine because of its effectiveness in combating the ice buildup on the roads," said Totino.

(Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)

Effective for preventing slips, but it also creeps into crevices and sticks to your vehicle.

Before the Krown Atlantic treatment is applied, the salt eliminator--a corrosion-fighting wash--is sprayed on for about 30seconds.

Oil-based formulas like Krown work to displace moisture and block oxygen from reaching the metal.

"Being di-electric, Krown is able to be sprayed on all the electrical. Now, more than ever, vehicles have more electronics in them that need to be protected," said Totino.

That includes electric vehicles (EV).

(Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)

Unlike rubberized or tar-based undercoating, an oil-based formula like Krown can be applied over existing rust.

“Krown will absorb through that existing corrosion, that existing rust, and it will repel moisture from the inside out. So, if you have an older vehicle, should you get it Krowned? Absolutely. Because it’s going to extend the life of that vehicle," said Totino.

Taking preventative measures can help prevent repair costs at the end of the winter, too.