We've had a bit of snow and ice since Monday, and I know that if you leave the salt on the paint, it'll damage it.
But I've been told now that it only takes about 48 hours before it ruins the paint.


How long can you leave your car dirty before it really damages the paint?
Its still like 20 or so degrees outside and I dread washing it.
But I will if it'll save my paint...

<img src="http://www.majhost.com/gallery/HCAJosh/crap/shooshined.jpg">
- putting the pieces back together -

I've never heard of the paint being damamged after 2 days of salt. People go all winter without washing it. I wash mine usually about once a week. Put on a coat of polish if you are worried about it. But remember to wash underneath too. The salt will eventually make the drums and rotors rust.

The main way that salt will damage the paint is if something rubs against it - it's rather abrasive. Salt can be very corrosive to exposed metal parts, especially when it's just above freezing when it stays in suspension with the water. As long as things stay frozen, it won't matter much. 0C to 4C (32F to 40F) is about the worst range for this.
Using a good quality wax will help protect the finish and help seal out moisture - but usually it should be applied when it's warmer out. Most warn against applying if below 40F or 4C. I usually try to wax my car in the spring and fall.
I also oil spray mine to help protect all of the seams and crevices from moisture. Our cars don't exactly seem to be built with the highest quality materials, so they need whatever help they can get. Around here I like to use either Krown rust or Rust Check products, but there are many others that are also very effective. This can be done at any time regardless of temperature - but it usually flows better when warmer. Just don't use products that aren't designed for this - they will likely mess up any rubber parts they contact.
Because of what I do to my car, I usually only wash it about once a month during the winter - and only if its going to be mild enough out that it doesn't freeze everything solid. If I didn't have any extra protection on the car, I would probably try to wash it more often. As long as it's below freezing, don't worry too much about it. It's more of a cosmetic issue at that time.
I've let mine go without a wash for a couple of months in the winter several times, and the paint is fine. I'm in southern Ontario, and my car has 202,000km on it, so I'm sure that it would be pretty ugly by now if salt would wreck it in a couple of days...
Hope this helps.
John

The salt will make your car rust...... I'm not sure how long it has to be there though......

Thats why cars don't rust down in the south... because they don't salt the roads......

I wash my car at least twice a week in the winter..... I don't care how cold it is...... wich is probably why I've had my door freeze shut when it's 20 below outside before..... but hey.... the car is rust free so far..... besides... I've always eventually get the door open.

Hey buddy,

I live in Quebec. I bought my Cavalier Z24 end of 2003 (brand new). My car has salt and abrasives on the paint and everywhere under the car for 5 months in a row without being washed. I've had no rust/paint problems, my car still looks like new. All I do is a good wax before winter and a compound in spring.

Dont worry just because you have salt on it since 2 days LMAO.