As Britain prepares itself for freezing conditions and a harsh winter, the Highways Agency is turning to a new brine solution to keep our roads clear. But already there are warnings that this could cause damage to cars and their paintwork over the coming months.

Following the severe weather conditions of last winter, the Highways Agency reviewed its use of salt on Britain’s streets, due to criticisms of its effectiveness. As a result, local councils are now turning to a new brine solution – a mixture of salt and water – that is claimed to stick to the road more effectively. But according to Turtle Wax, this latest method is likely to cause paintwork damage and corrosion, as chief chemist Vince Blackburn told us:

‘Dry salt causes minimal impact damage; however, a brine solution in combination with oxygen will potentially corrode paintwork. The salt increases the electrical conductivity of the water, accelerating the oxidation process, highlighting rusting on chips, scratches and also micro-scratches and micro-cracks that are not always evident in the paintwork.’

Owners of older cars in particular are advised to apply a good quality wax to form a barrier between their paintwork and the brine solution. However, we’d also recommend regularly hosing down the underside of your car – including the inner wheel arches and all box sections – to ensure these areas are kept clean and that any dried-on brine solution is quickly removed.