Effects of salt on a car from one storms worth?

Hey guys. I am an essential employee for my company, and I maintain back up power systems, and generators. With this position I am almost required to be out in the nastiest of weather. I know I am going to be deep in this blizzard hitting New England this evening. As such I am worried that my 2wd 2011 Chevy 2500 work van will most likely get stuck. It hasn't in the past, but this storm feels like it is going to be worse than the others I have experienced while having this van.

My boss suggested we rent 4wd vehicles to get around in the storm, but he wants me to rent it, and then get reimbursed sometime down the road. Not something I am interested in doing to be honest with you.

My options are don't go to work which is really not an option, take my chances with the tool(van) they provided, or possibly take out my Delica. I came here to ask you guys if you think I would be ruining the Delica by using it during one storms worth of salt? I would rather not use it, but if push comes to shove I think I may have to. I suppose I could maybe get it washed really well at a car wash after the storm, but I am not convinced it gets everything. What do you think? Would you risk it?

For the record the left side outer axle boot is ripped, and as such I have not tried the 4wd yet, but my guess is it will work. Not sure it is good for it with the torn boot, but I am pretty sure it would survive a storm. I guess the diesel engine wouldn't be very happy in the cold weather, but once I get it started it should be fine.

Thanks,

Chris

I think a thorough power wash would get rid of the majority of the road salt, but I'd worry about the torn axle boot. I'm not sure you want that well brined.

No way I'd take your vehicle. Regardless of salt, do you want some asshat smashing into it due to the poor conditions?

I don't know the culture of your company, but I can sympathize in regards to not renting a vehicle as well. So what happens if you drive the company van and get stuck? Surely they pay the towing bill, correct? I don't see how they can fault you for it given the weather.

From what my parents are talking about in central MA, there probably won't be much salt on the roads for a few days. Dad's planning on going via snowmobile if he needs to leave the house the next few days.

There is loads of salt already on the road now.

If you have never tried the 4WD, the middle of a major storm isn't the time. Take the van. Grab a good shovel and some bags of gravel. (and the typical "winter survival" gear) You've got snow tires right? Where do you rent a 4x4?

Take some survival stuff too. Food, water, blankets, flashlight, etc... Oh, and some good reading material and TP.

You should be fine!

Rob R.

fill the gas tank!

BoxheadTim wrote: I think a thorough power wash would get rid of the majority of the road salt, but I'd worry about the torn axle boot. I'm not sure you want that well brined.

But its a japanese thing from the 80's.....it'll be rusted in half before you even consider backing it down the driveway.

Drive the panel van that is 2wd, find some bags of sand or salt, 200-300lb in the back of one of these vans will make it do really well if you don't have garbage tires.

When we get conditions like that here in Indiana, I put a skid with 4 48"x3" grinding wheels in the back and it makes it nearly unstoppable. That skid weighs about 6-700lb though.

You will never remove all the salt. You will never remove the shame from the memory of driving your Delica in the salt either.

Do you have chains for your van?

One storm isn't going to kill it. The ms3 has seen a few winters now and it's still pristine. Just be careful and you'll be fine. On the other side though, I wouldn't risk taking it out on the basis that the only other people going to be out are artards and asshats and you're risking crumpling your baby like a can of Sapporo.

And this is why I own so damn many cars. I find it easier just to buy another car to fit the conditions, rather than adapt what I have.

I would rent - I used to do it all the time - but it is probably too late. Anything worth renting is likely already gone.

Just get an e-mail to document the prior authorization if you are worried about being reimbursed.

Stuff on my car turned orange (rust) from one trip up north last year.

My dad once told me, "4wd only takes you further before you get stuck".

Why should you expose your personal vehicle to the risk? If you actually get as much snow as they are predicting then the roads will likely be unusable anyway, 4wd or not.

As others have said, weight in the back, supplies and drive safe.

EDIT: I forgot to add. Unless you carry business use on your insurance, you can be denied coverage for using your personal vehicle for business purposes.

There are plenty of good reasons to take the van, but trying to avoid one day's worth of salt isn't one of them. If you have to expose it to salt, give it a good washing afterward and it'll be fine. Even on 80s Japanese cars, it takes a while for the salt to take effect.

Are chains, weight, and survival gear an option? On another note, I really need to get the winter survival kits together and start selling them online...

(Edit) Oh yea. As for the salt, I think a good power-washing of the underside will keep corrosion to a minimum.

Even though I think it's a terrible idea to expose your Delicious van to the salt which will get into every crevice & seam and pool in places you'll never get it out....

I think it's a terrific idea to drive your Delicious 4x4 van in the SNOW as it seems like it would be great fun to chug tunnels through snowbanks with your little diesel 4x4.

Load the back of the work van up with all the heavy crap from your backyard (before the storm buries it)and go have a ball with their truck. Not that the Delica couldn't handle the weather but like someone above mentioned you can't control the other f#$@ing idiots out there and it would be a shame after all you went through to get that truck to loose it for the company. It's not gonna snow hard anyways, blizzard shmizard! Good Luck, if you get stuck nearby us give me a call, one of the neighbors has snow machines, we'll come get you.

If you get stuck, call me. I'll tow you out with the F350. Wife has to be to work at 6AM, so get stuck early.

In reply to Mazdax605:

As stated earlier in this thread, there likely won't be much salt on the road tomorrow. They'll be plowing more than salting.

I think as long as you can get the undercarriage nice and clean afterwards, you'll be OK. If you said a winter, I'd be more worried, but one storm shouldn't do much.

I, too, would be worried about some idiot plowing into it.

Be sure to have some solid proof that you belong out there, as they'll be arresting people for being out on the road tonight (not sure exactly when) due to the state of emergency.

I have a letter from my company stating I am allowed on the roads after 12am tonight.

This reminds me of a storm southern PA/MD had some years back. It was so bad they were having difficulties getting emergency personnel (doctors and stuff) to hospitals, so a call went out over EBS for anyone with a truck that could get out to report and go get docs. My parents had just moved out that direction and my dad was rocking a MN drivers license and an Excursion. They about E36 M3 themselves when he rolled in. It was like the second coming of Jesus to them. To him, it was Thursday and he wanted beer.

i put my wagon away for the winter to avoid salt and the idiots driving. If someone else hits you there insurance is just going to total it and im guessing not give you anywere near the value. i fear that more then salt!

Just rent a 4x4.

mndsm wrote: This reminds me of a storm southern PA/MD had some years back. It was so bad they were having difficulties getting emergency personnel (doctors and stuff) to hospitals, so a call went out over EBS for anyone with a truck that could get out to report and go get docs. My parents had just moved out that direction and my dad was rocking a MN drivers license and an Excursion. They about E36 M3 themselves when he rolled in. It was like the second coming of Jesus to them. To him, it was Thursday and he wanted beer.

Brilliant.

I would drive anything I own and not care a bit if I got stuck or salted.

Your car is precious to you. Don't take it.

Drive the company van, take some survival gear (included a sleeping bag, etc), and be prepared to get stuck. Enjoy the adventure, on company time.

This is the company's failure to plan. Don't sweat it too much personally.

Don't finance the company's bad decisions either by fronting them money for a rental OR using a car that means a lot to you.