Absinthe

So, I was contemplating taking the RX-8 out (wife has the other car), but I'm mainly concerned about getting the road salt on the under-body, and having it corrode the metal all winter long, while the car sits in the garage.

My question is, if I spray the under-body and wheel wells with a hose before putting it in the garage, do you think that will be good enough? Just hoping someone has some experience with a similar situation

Thanks!

Leesha

Do it, I did... Just take it through the carwash when it gets dirty with salt...

Oh by the way, Petrocanada gas station here has an underbody spray to protect under the car...check local gas stations... I paid $11.99 for the wash and it includes everything from clearcoat finish protection, wax, and so on...Oh and if it rains or snows in 48hrs I get a free car wash.

EdwardsB

^Agreed...My 8 is my daily driver so I have no option, and no problems so far. But like she said if it gets bad wash it off.

New Yorker

If you spray clean the underside I don't think you'll have any problems.

My "system" for winter driving is to only take the car out on the few days a month when the roads are clear and dry. (We have lots of cold, snow-free days in and around NYC.) That way the car doesn't get abused by salt - yet it doesn't sit in the garage unused for months either.

Absinthe

Thanks for the quick responses!

I enjoy this car so much, I'm overly paranoid about this kind of stuff :D

Leesha

Any kind of rust protection will work also...

Raptor75

I wouldn't worry about it with the modern processes and metals used corrosion for all intended purposes is a thing of the past.

4me2

8's depreciate so fast, how is some rust going to matter. In 5 years a 8 is worth $10, 000 rust free.

puch96

If you worry about having rust under the car due to the salt, then don't take your car out... Also, try to hand wash the car.... automatic car washers usually leave swirl marks on the paint....

delhi

drive through car wash bays only if you hate your car. Those equipped with brushes are the worse. They accumulate grit from some junky Ford Explorer or an Amway salesperson's Corolla and apply it on your previous 8. Then there's the so-called touch less bays. Wonderful if you want 100000000psi of recycled jet water punching grit that's already on your car deeper into nooks and crevices.
Hand wash at all times if you like your car.

turborx8

iTrader: (1)

AMEN, brotha!

altspace

iTrader: (2)

Also check the Show and Shine threads. I wash my car in the garage when it gets too salty. Problem solved.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

i only use automated touchless systems to get the underside clear.

for everything else, you should definitely hand wash the car.

zerobio

Haven't used automated car washes in so long ... do they have that pulley thing where you drive your wheel up and it pulls you through? Or do you drive through without being pulled? If it's the former, doesn't that scratch your rims and if you're lowered, scratch other stuff? Otherwise, I might have to do that once in a while.

Leesha

I agree but in winter its kind of hard so I only go through when my car is full of salt. Only used the car wash 2x. I hand wash in the summer and warmer months.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

during the winter, i go to a touchless car wash that you drive into the little booth yourself. (they have about a half dozen side by side) and as you drive into it, jets of water shoot up cleaning off the bottom of the car. so, take your time. :D

Jethro Tull

iTrader: (6)

Go to this thread and read my post #15

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/winter-do-you-really-park-garage-8-a-133627/

Salt damage is long-term and largely hidden until it's too late to take corrective measures. But if you plan on getting rid of the car in 4, 5, or 6 years then just washing it thoroughly and regularly will insure that only the next owner will have to face the corrosion problem.

Remember winter driving means exposure to a lot of grit, too. Nothing you can do will prevent sand damage to paint, plastics, and glass. Staying off the higher-speed roads will minimize it.

I hate road salt and sand in winter.

4me2

I will not hand wash a car. Spray works just fine. Why baby these cars?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

because the value drops so fast, everyone will junk yard it, then yours will worth a lot of money !!!!! (If its in mint condition)

Ike

Christ, it's a cheap freaking Mazda, not some collectable car. Have fun and drive the damn thing...

FloridaRX8

you should be fine if you rinse all the salt off first. spray it goooood and then you won't need to worry about it.

Leesha

^^What do you know about salt??? Your in florida...

ActionAttackGoose

Mazda vehicles seem to avoid corrosion better than a lot of makes. Namely, Jeep and Nissan.

That being said, I recommend you take it to a carwash with an underbody spray before putting it away again. Salt will find its way into every crevice, and **** you off years later when you try to change some menial part and the rust makes it impossible.

zerobio

I would use this type.

zerobio

I agree and I can't really wash it here at home so I either hand wash at a coin op or what you said. Thanks.