DRIVERS ASK, TOM ANSWERS: SEASONAL

PROBLEMS SOLVED

Dear    Tom,

Q Does the electric corrosion control system, which is advertised to prevent

a vehicle from rusting from road salt, really work? Or are these products just
a gimmick?

Ed—Delaware

Ed,

A These “systems” have been found to be fraudulent by the Federal Trade

Commission (FTC). They do not work. Cathodic corrosion protection works
well on bridges because they are based in water and thus complete a circuit.
Also, they use much higher voltage than the mere 12 volts used by the car
devices. Add into the equation the rubber car tires that insulate the vehicle
from ground (thus eliminating a closed-loop circuit) and you have a small 12-
volt light in a box. It might look impressive, but it does nothing for rust
protection. Don’t waste your money.