TYLER, Texas (KETK) – With the winter weather expected to worsen throughout the week, TxDOT crews have been applying brine to highways. Brine is a mixture of salt and water that is used to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the pavement.
While brine is an effective way to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the road, it could have a negative impact on cars. The material is corrosive and has been known to cause cars to rust. Gary Stewart, the owner of Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive, spoke about the potential damage it can do to vehicles.
Stewart warned how the chemical can cause damage to cars. Stewart said, “That stuff gets wet, it becomes acidic, it creates a chemical heat, and melts the ice. Well, that same acidic reaction happens in your car. When it gets wet, it gets hot. When it gets hot it eats things.”
Stewart claims that drive-through car washes are not strong enough to remove brine from your vehicle. He suggests thoroughly pressure washing, including the undercarriage, to remove the brine from vehicles.
