How winter affects your vehicle
You’ve probably heard of electrolytes before, but in connection with rehydrating yourself after intense exercise or time spent in really hot weather. We need electrolytes so our bodies can function well.
To your vehicle, though, electrolytes cause what looks like a sunburn. They speed up the development of that familiar red-orange colour, and the road salt used in winter is an electrolyte.
But how does rust form in the first place?
You need three chemicals: oxygen, water, and iron. When oxygen and water mix on steel, which contains iron, rust forms. Carbon dioxide also contributes oxygen to this chemical reaction.
If rust is left unchecked, it’ll continue to build up and weaken the metal of your EV. Eventually, the material will crack and break, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. To avoid these issues, you can get your EV rustproofed.
Rustproofing is the process of applying a series of chemicals that act as a protective barrier to defend your car against rust formation. It’s typically done once every year or every two years.
Benefits of rustproofing
Rustproofing comes with many benefits, especially in winter.
As mentioned, corrosion from rust can weaken your car’s metal structures, leading to expensive repairs. This isn’t limited to the body itself: suspension, brake, and exhaust systems can also be affected.
Your local NexDrive service centre can give you an estimate on repair work for damage from previous seasons. The rust will continue to develop on damaged parts, potentially compromising your safety.
A rust inhibitor will also help preserve not only your EV’s working components but also its cosmetic appearance, which is important to safeguard its resale value.
One word of caution: some manufacturers discourage rustproofing an EV (or hybrid) because it can weaken or void the warranty if the chemicals damage any high-voltage wiring. Your owner’s manual will have advice on whether rustproofing is recommended for your EV.
How to rustproof an EV
Rustproofing an EV takes a lot longer than a regular car. To avoid spraying any wiring and other delicate components, your EV will need to be partially taken apart so it can be sprayed carefully in segments. Therefore, we do not recommend attempting this on your own.
A technician will lift your EV with a hoist to gradually apply the rustproof section by section, allowing it to dry between layers. The technician will then reassemble the segments. This process can take up to six hours to complete.
More winter tips
Aside from protecting your vehicle against rust, follow these winter maintenance tips to get the most out of your EV this season:
- Switch to winter tires when it’s consistently 7 °C or colder outside.
- Use the regular braking system instead of regenerative braking in icy conditions to improve traction.
- Add coolant to help the engine maintain a stable temperature.
- Change your windshield washer fluid to a winter formula, which helps remove ice frost.
For any questions about tackling the winter with your EV, visit a NexDrive service centre to speak with an expert.