I am glad to be a brand new member here and even have a new point to ponder:
Being a recently displaced Southerner up here in MN I have a new interest in rust and what causes it. I understand simple metallic oxidation, what my question is, however, is at what point does rust become active? Something about my Chemistry class at UNC seems to trigger a memory that rust is only active above 45 degrees F. Is this true?
Thanks!
First, welcome aboard Cameroniii:)
Having lived in Wisconsin my entire 40 years, I can tell you the biggest causes of rust is salt. Regardless of temp., salt activates rust. Here it’s salt on the roads during winter, in places close to the coast it’s salt from the ocean, which nixes your 45 degree theory. If you’re going to be an Ollie (one of the many derogratory terms us Cheeseheads use for folks in Minnesota.
It’s all in fun though, no real offense intended)your best bet is to get your car double rust proofed, and start bitching to your local highway department to use sand instead of salt during the winter. Salt also attracts more deer onto the roads, which causes more car/deer collisions.
Salt is bad, mmmkay.