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
Swaf Dan Szczepanik 55db7475b6ece

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

Sign up for FleetMaintenance eNewsletters
Clean Z's Mobile Detailing
Cab detailing should at minimum be done every three months.
Your drivers work—and often live—for long periods in the cab. Messes are bound to happen, but routine housekeeping and regular detailing go a long way in maintaining your drivers...
Erin Brown / Erin Brown / Generated by AI /Shutterstock; 2231814331, 2264178373, 5242296 | Shutterstock
cab cleaning tips
After a pet pig destroyed a like-new truck interior, this Arkansas fleet owner had to double down on cab cleanliness.
PPG
orange_truck_painted_ppg
Making sure your trucks look great and stay on brand takes a basic knowledge of what types of coatings to use and how to maintain your fleet’s finish.