Ask the Expert: Why are we seeing increased corrosion in our fleets?

Liquid deicers have fewer negative effects on the environment, but they find their way into cracks and crevices and stay there.

Aug. 24, 2015

Q: Why are we seeing increased corrosion in our fleets?

Dan Szczepanik, Global Product Manager - Fleet & Manufacturing, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes: Corrosion concern can be worse today with magnesium chloride and calcium chloride liquid deicers being used on roadways. These liquid deicers can save departments of transportation a considerable amount of money and have fewer negative effects on the environment, but they find their way into cracks and crevices and stay there. The liquid deicers love to absorb water and will stay wet much longer then old fashioned sodium chloride rock salt. Metal, oxygen and an electrolyte (water or worse, salt water) creates a hotbed to breed corrosion. Subsequently, the longer the deicer stays wet the longer it can cause damage. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride will stay wet at lower humidity levels. Couple these issues with additives that increase adhesion to the roadway and not only does this increase adhesion to the roadway, but also increases adhesion to the under carriage of your fleet.

Information provided by: Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes