Road salt poses threat to fire trucks

 

 

The salt used to remove ice from roads during the winter is reportedly corroding the steel frames of Calgary fire trucks. This year alone, the city has spent more than $2 million to repair nine vehicles. The vehicles are only 10 years old.

Officials decided to repair and preserve the old ones because they would have to wait four years to receive them if they were ordered.
Between 40,000 and 50,000 tonnes of salt are used on Calgary roads annually to melt ice. Experts point out that washing the underside of vehicles regularly or using protective coatings such as wax sealing can help reduce damage caused by chemicals. With a new fire truck costing up to $1.5 million, the fire department estimates that preserving existing vehicles will make a big financial difference.