What happens when salt enters the engine?
3 Answers
If salt enters the engine, it will accelerate engine wear and significantly reduce the engine's service life. If detected early, it is recommended to immediately replace the engine oil and oil filter. Accelerated wear and carbon buildup: It will accelerate engine wear and carbon buildup. If the vehicle is driven without an air filter, dust will directly enter the cylinders and mix with the fuel-air mixture for combustion. Under such conditions, cylinder wear will be eight times that of a vehicle with an air filter, piston wear three times, and piston ring wear nine times. Decreased filtration efficiency: If the air filter is not too dirty, it can be cleaned using compressed air. When blowing it out, pay attention to blowing from the inside to the outside. However, most air filters are made of coarse filtration and low-air-resistance materials. During driving, the filter creates resistance to airflow. When dust accumulation exceeds a certain level, the filter's resistance increases, leading to decreased filtration efficiency.
I found salt in the engine, and that's no small matter! Salt mainly comes from seawater or salted roads, which can cause metal corrosion issues. Under moisture and high temperatures, sodium chloride reacts chemically with metals, leading to rust and oxidation of components—critical parts like cylinders and piston rings are the first to suffer, showing surface rust or pitting. You might not notice problems in the short term, but after some operation, engine noise increases, fuel consumption rises, and in severe cases, it can clog oil or cooling systems, turning the engine oil murky. I recommend immediately checking the air filter for salt traces and getting a professional full inspection and cleaning. If driving in coastal areas, it's best to install an engine guard and regularly rinse the undercarriage to prevent salt buildup. In the long run, it can shorten engine life, and repair costs can be quite high—safety first!
I once encountered a similar situation while driving by the seaside, where ocean waves splashed onto the engine. At first, there was only a slight squeaking sound from the engine, which I ignored. But after a few days, there was a noticeable drop in power, and the car became difficult to start. Upon inspection, I found that salt mist had entered the intake, causing internal corrosion. The aluminum components developed white rust, and the engine oil contained salt particles. Salt spreads quickly in humid environments, corroding piston rings and cylinder walls, increasing friction. If not addressed promptly, repairs can become troublesome and may lead to oil leaks or overheating. Now, I make it a habit to wash my car regularly, especially the engine bay, rinsing off salt deposits with fresh water. Extra caution is needed when driving on salted roads in winter—clean the car immediately after driving. Remember, minor corrosion can be fixed locally, but severe cases may require an engine overhaul. Prevention is always better than cure.
