Got above freezing for the first time since we got our Fit so I ran it through the no-touch car wash to knock the salt off. When I got home, I saw an accumulation of salt and rock chips in the rear wheel wells on the little "shelf" next to the rear wheel.

This is where rust got going on our Miata, and I don't want that to happen to the Fit:



You can see that some of the little salt particles are working their way behind the body molding there too. Definitely going to have to get after this.

Cheers

 

yup i always wash that area down when i clean my car

 

Pressure wash behind the wheels. What I dont get is why factories make these little curves and nooks where water and salt just sit there. Especially in the door areas.

Go to autozone and get that can of black guard or something like that. If you spray all around there then it should be a good barrier from the salt. But you'd have to respray it maybe once a year.

 

I just installed splash guards on my 09 base fit for these reasons. Though I think the rear should be ok because the bumper is plastic. The front may be more concern, but I think by default there's a plastic lining in there to help somewhat.

 

Yeah, this is a problem area which acts a small external shelf for the Fit. Definitely make sure you wash that area
really good and I even have a rag just for those spots so
I can get into the small areas. I always make sure in the winter to power wash at the car wash making sure to go under the body of the car and the bumper areas. It is
a pain but hope that rust is not a big problem.

Cat :x

 

Don't do the touchless car wash. Although it's better than nothing, going to a place where you do it yourself will get the job done much much better. I normally go after every snow storm and make sure to wash off the entire undercarriage (or try to). I spray EVERY wheel well down really good. It only take 5 minutes to do. There is that POR-15 stuff you can spray, but IMO, not necessary if you keep up with the washing.