He said vehicle owners have several ways to prevent salt corrosion. The smoother a vehicle's surface, the more likely foreign substances will just slide off, he said. Keeping vehicles as clean as possible helps too, Mohaupt said. After a big snow melt, he said it's a good idea to get a car wash. When the snow season is completely over, a vehicle should get a thorough power wash to remove any elements from the underbelly, according to the Salt Institute.
Car manufacturers offer rust-proofing as well.
Most cars today only have 1 percent rust corrosion after six years, said Briscoe of the Salt Institute, compared with 90 percent in the 1970s. But for students who don't have cars to get themselves to class, their shoes end up taking the bulk of the damage. Road salt can cause white lines on shoes, which are especially noticeable on leather. One homemade way to remove salt from shoes, Pickard said, is to rub a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water onto them. It's important to rub the solution onto the shoes before they dry, he said.