Little-known problem with grit can cause catastrophic damage to your motor & land you with a bill in the thousands
DRIVERS are learning that a little-known mistake could cause damage to their motor this winter - but it's easily prevented.
The Met Office has warned of freezing temperatures across the UK and up to two inches of snow - which means we can expect to see grit lorries out in force to salt the roads.
Unfortuately, while grit is vital for preventing routes from icing up, it can also cause damage to your car.
The acidic solution in salt can eat away at your motor's paintwork and the metal bodywork - and this can cause scratches and rust.
According to motoring expert Graham Conway of Select Car Leasing, grit can cause multiple issues for road-users - some of them pretty catastrophic.
He said: “Gritting is often a part of life at this time of year, especially in Scotland, northern England and roads on higher ground.
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"It’s vital in keeping the nation moving when snow and icy conditions do their best to snarl up the highways.
“But it’s worth taking note of some of the problems it can cause, to ensure you protect your vehicle against them.”
One little-known mistake that can cause damage to your car is driving behind a gritting van - and doing so could result in very costly repairs.
Graham explains: “The stones can flick up off the road surface and scratch paintwork.
"If you are driving directly behind a gritter when it is spreading, this can be much worse.
“If it does cause scratches and small dents in the paintwork, or if there are any existing imperfections, the salt can seep in and lead to corrosion and rust if not cleaned off."
This comes as expert mechanic Scotty Kilmer took to TikTok to reveal the exact time you should rinse grit and salt off your car – and how doing it the wrong way could cost you hundreds in repairs.
Meanwhile, drivers are being told of a £1.99 hack that can stop ice forming inside their motor, and it even keeps windows condensation-free.