Many people will be realizing this soon, sadly!!! After the flooding of streets in Southern California and in one place it was reaching the Pacific Coast Hiway..... This is the advice from a person who is in the auto business....


HEY NEWPORT BEACH, AND EVERYONE ELSE IN OCEAN FLOOD ZONES, PLEASE DON’T DRIVE YOUR CAR IN SALT WATER!!!!
That flooding is coming from the ocean, you’re driving through SALT WATER—not simply rainwater. Saltwater is highly corrosive and can severely damage your vehicles paint, trim, undercarriage, rubber seals, wheels, brake calipers, suspension, wheel wells, and exposed metal components. And the salt water will damage electrical systems, its getting up inside the engine and its not good...
Protect yourself first: turn around and avoid flooded salt water roads at all cost. Saving a few minutes is never worth risking your safety—or serious damage to your vehicle.
If your vehicle has already been exposed to saltwater, arrange a thorough freshwater cleaning as soon as you possibly can. Look for a qualified professional detailer who can safely lift the vehicle off the ground with a professional lift, wash, clean, decontaminate and get all that Salt Water off the undercarriage, out of every nook and cranny, including the tight spaces, wheels & calipers, suspension, important rubber seals, and everywhere else all that salt water can collect and sit.
Don't go to a car wash, it's not going to be thorough or near enough to get your car, undercarriage, wheels & calipers, electrical systems, and everything else that is contaminated by the salt water.
And by the way, "I do not offer this service at my shop" so I don't have an ulterior motive other than to get you good advice. After nearly 50 years in automotive detailing and car care industry, I care about helping people protect their vehicles and avoid preventable and expensive repairs.
After you car is completely cleaned its a good idea to protect everything with a good wax, sealant or coating. Protecting the cosmetic value of your car is key..
And, Salt Water residue can continue promoting corrosion long after the water dries and the roads are clear.
Please don’t put this off. Take the exposure seriously, get the right professional who specializes in undercarriage cleaning, and then help and share this warning with someone who needs to see it.
And again, although I do not offer this service, if you have questions? email me at: mel@thedetailingpros.com or call my shop at (760) 803-1955
Hope this help you.. See less
May be an image of car. May be an image of car and body of water. May be an image of body of water. May be an image of body of water