Drivers risk hefty repair bills of up to £10k over grit used on icy roads… but there’s an easy way to protect your car
DRIVERS have been warned that they risk repair bills of up to £10,000 this winter due to the grit on icy roads.
Experts say that road salt can cause severe damage to motors and that insurance companies won't cover the cost of fixing it.
Graham Conway, managing director at , urged motorists to keep an eye on the potential cost of winter driving.
As the weather turns cold, with the mercury dropping to -6C in Scotland just this morning, and a yellow weather warning for ice in place, road workers will be out and about spraying down busy routes with salt.
But while this is vital in preventing accidents on icy roads, according to Graham, it can have devastating impacts on your car's health.
He said: "Salt causes corrosion to paintwork and any exposed metal, leading to the onset of rust.
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"Unfortunately this process is quickly sped up if there is any pre-existing damage to your car’s shell.
"Any chips, dents, scratches and paintwork damage should be addressed now - before winter really bites and we experience more and more salt being spread on roads - and before vulnerable elements of your car or van are put at risk.
"And if your vehicle’s exterior is already in poor condition, you could be facing a hefty repair bill to correct the effects of another harsh winter."
He went on to explain that extensive rust damage could leave you in need of a full respray of your paintwork, coming at a cost of around £5,000.
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However, this could be even worse if you own a luxury or classic car, as the paints can be harder to source.
Owners of such vehicles could see themselves shelling out up to a whopping £10,000 to remedy corrosion.
And given that rust is considered to be "normal wear and tear" by insurance companies, these repairs generally won't be covered by most standard policies, leaving drivers out of pocket.
Fortunately, Graham was able to share some top tips on how to prevent the damage taking hold.
He added: "I’d recommend maintaining a rigorous cleaning regime throughout winter, to make sure salt isn’t left to wreak its havoc.
"Rinse off road detritus as often as you can, paying particular attention to the underside of your vehicle, which might typically go unwashed.
"Also, try to avoid driving through big puddles or flooded roads, which could again leave salty water clinging to areas of your car where you don’t want it."
It comes after experts warned a further £10,000 could be lost in fines if drivers fall foul of a little-known tyre rule in winter.