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Is freshwater or saltwater worse for your car?
I live in Louisiana and there is nowhere I can drive right now due to flooding. I have to get food, though, so I'm going to have to drive through some water. Which is worse to drive through: fresh water or salt water?
Lauren Smith · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“I hope you are okay despite the flooding!
Driving through water isn’t the safest, but when it comes to your car, salt water is worse. Your car can handle some water, but saltwater eats away at your car faster than freshwater will.
Because many components of your car, especially the undercarriage, is made of metal, water can lead to
rust
. Louisiana has frequent humidity and hurricanes, which means your car is already likely to have some rust.Saltwater in particular can damage your car the longer it sits. Damage doesn’t happen immediately, but with the humidity, it will continue to eat away at the metal and corrode it.
If your car gets flooded with salt water
, it can ruin your car and total it. Rinsing off the undercarriage of your car with fresh water when you get home can help if you have to drive through saltwater.
If you’re looking for more help with your car or assistance like towing coverage, lockout service, tire change, jump starts, key replacement, a mechanics hotline, and more, try a roadside assistance membership through the
Jerry
app.” View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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