[Maynard]

I've heard that some of the newer compounds are less corrosive than plain salt too. Don't know what they use, but it used to be that in Maine and Mass. the cars showed a lot less rust than here in NYS, and I was always told this was why - no real data for that, but it made sense (and the difference was dramatic - people would drive over to Mass to buy used cars for it). Now that most everything has zinc undercoating, it is less critical - It has been a long time since I saw the kind of cancered out holes that we used to get after only a few years (there was a time when 5-year rust through warranty's actually meant something)

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Naz24

All i've heard from everyone is "yes it works". Is there any concrete research to back this up? It just feels like they will put the treatment down 3 days prior to a snowstorm, at which point, most of the product has been worn off the road

I understand public safety, but i'm also for doing things efficiently, this doesnt seem to be efficient. Thats all

Yes, it works. No concrete research but can maybe find some asphalt research. I'll take personal experience over research any day of the week.

[Hawkeye]

Also you must not have searched very hard. There are papers linked as well as a lot of information on this site (you know the people that put it down)...

http://www.iowadot.gov/maintenance/materials.html
PDF form (a little more info) http://www.iowadot.gov/maintenance/pdf/brine.pdf

edit: It even tells you how to cook your own!

[Dabozo]

Originally Posted by Maynard

I've heard that some of the newer compounds are less corrosive than plain salt too. Don't know what they use, but it used to be that in Maine and Mass. the cars showed a lot less rust than here in NYS, and I was always told this was why - no real data for that, but it made sense (and the difference was dramatic - people would drive over to Mass to buy used cars for it). Now that most everything has zinc undercoating, it is less critical - It has been a long time since I saw the kind of cancered out holes that we used to get after only a few years (there was a time when 5-year rust through warranty's actually meant something)

city of toronto uses a beet juice mixture. But its still mixed with salt.
The beet juice is enviro friendly and it works at lower temps vs a salt/brine mixture. I think they only use it when they expect very cold temps.
Also, unlike rock salt, these brine mixtures can last for days on the road before a snow fall and still be effective (provided it didnt rain).

[Dackelone]

What about these videos...

[Maestro]

The only reason to pre-treat is to help keep the snow from freezing to the road surface before the plow and salt trucks get around once the snow starts falling. However, if snow is falling fast it does not help. Around me the pre-treat usually keeps the roads wet longer and if traffic is on it then it will stay wet as well.

My Dad ran a plow truck for 20 yrs. and this was before they just dump salt all over the roads. The only place we would put salt down was on hills and intersection everywhere else he just plowed the snow unless it was freezing rain which there is not much you can do with that stuff.

Because people are idiot and do not know how to drive in the snow, they have to salt everything otherwise people sue everyone.

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by Naz24

Interesting. Is there a certain optimal time to use the brine? Like can it be days before, or should it be within 24 hours?

We do it right before the storm so we're sure it's going to happen. If I had an option I would do it a day or so before so it could be ground in to the road surface. (using halite) Brine can be done many days before due to how its applied.

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by Maestro

The only reason to pre-treat is to help keep the snow from freezing to the road surface before the plow and salt trucks get around once the snow starts falling. However, if snow is falling fast it does not help. Around me the pre-treat usually keeps the roads wet longer and if traffic is on it then it will stay wet as well.

My Dad ran a plow truck for 20 yrs. and this was before they just dump salt all over the roads. The only place we would put salt down was on hills and intersection everywhere else he just plowed the snow unless it was freezing rain which there is not much you can do with that stuff.

Because people are idiot and do not know how to drive in the snow, they have to salt everything otherwise people sue everyone.

+1 on this!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Naz24

Anyone in the Northeast or a cold climate knows what i'm talking about. Those lines of salt looking stuff on the roads. Does it even work, or is it a way for truck drivers to make more money?. I feel like any pre treatment (salt, MG Chloride, etc) doesnt do crap besides get all over my car.

You should....

Relax, There are bigger problems in the world.

This seems like the end of the world for you

This shit happens when you live in crappy areas. Move....or move on and enjoy the 425 horsepower