Here in Montana, they use that slimey chemical de-icer through the winter, seems at the least bit of snow. It is nasty and corrodes everything.
To me, yes it is the salt you guys fight. The drainage sytem of a vehicle is important, as said. Some vehicles need enlarged drain holes made, or additional ones added. The second part is they need flushed out (cleaned) and air dryed. A air hose is even a tool here on cleaning.
But to me, the best defense is like when I drove my pristine old Bronco all winter here, I did weekly high pressure car washes, spending 10 bucks in quarters, and half that was on the underside. Never letting that deicer tainted dirt sit more than a couple days is key. It seeemed to work pretty well.
After years of watching and looking, I have come to the conclusion that for damn near rust proof, 1970 ish Ford Pickups are the best. Thick sheet metal, evidently drain well, and I see them all the time here, with no rust holes. That will be my next PU 4X4, and I am flying to Arizona to buy one that is the cleanest possible to start with. I am doing that in next year or so, and expect that truck to be with me to the end. (3/4 ton, single cab, 4X4, 4 speed long bed cowboy truck, yippee).......
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72 Bird
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