Salt and grime are more problematic for caravan and vehicle owners, especially during winter or on wet and muddy roads. These contaminants can cause corrosion of paint and leave damages and stains if not removed. Graphene coatings are one of the newest developments in paint protection that provide improved longevity, water-beading, and chemical immunity. But are they capable of preventing damage from road salt and grime? Find out below! Why Road Salt and Grime Are Harmful 1.Corrosion and Rust Formation •Road salt that has calcium chloride and magnesium chloride as its components is a very corrosive substance. •It increases the rate of oxidation process which results in rusting of metal surfaces, including those that are exposed, such as the chassis and undercarriage. 2.Paint and Clear Coat Damage •Road grime is a collection of dirt, oil, and other particles, which is quite abrasive and can cause minor scratches on the paint. •Salt will leave stains and mineral deposits that will fade the finish over time. 3.Difficult Cleaning o •Salt and dirt are sticky substances that are difficult to remove without the use of strong force such as scrubbing. The following are the advantages of graphene coating over wax, sealants, and even ceramic coatings: 1.Superior Chemical Resistance •Graphene coatings are immune to acids and alkalis and thus can withstand road salt. •It also means that wax or sealants do not stop salt from sticking to the paint surface and thus leads to corrosion and staining. 2.Hydrophobic Properties (Water and Dirt Repellency) •Graphene coatings form a slick and non-sticky surface, which means that grease and salt do not stick to the surface easily. •Water forms a bead on the surface and rolls off, taking with it any particles that may be stuck on the surface and preventing them from sticking. 3.Heat Dissipation and Anti-Corrosion Properties •Graphene is a better conductor of heat than ceramic coatings, hence it experiences low or no thermal stretching or compressing that may cause cracks or oxidation. •This minimizes the formation of rust on metal parts that could otherwise be affected by road salt on other parts of the car. 4.Scratch and Abrasion Resistance •Graphene coatings provide more rigidity of the protective layer than ceramic coatings, which reduce the effects of minor scratches and swipes from road debris and dust. However, it has some weaknesses, which are: • It is important to note that no surface is completely immune – Graphene coatings do not make a surface completely impenetrable; though it reduces the damage done, road salt may still stick in the uncoated areas such as the undercarriage, wheel wells, and suspension components. • It is still important to rinse the vehicle after using the car on salted roads as Graphene coated surface is easy to clean but contaminants should not be left on the surface for a long time. • For the best protection, use graphene coatings together with underbody rust protection. Conclusion: Strong Protection, But Not a Substitute for Maintenance. Graphene coatings are very efficient at protecting the car from road salt and grime due to their ability to reject contaminants, block chemicals and make the vehicle easy to clean. However, it is still important to wash the car and protect the undercarriage to prevent long term corrosion. To get the best outcome, please rinse your caravan when it has been exposed to road salt and protect other metal parts as well.