Saltwater damaging?

I was thinking as I was watching the H2 commecial where they are driving on the beach that it would be fun to do. Then it struck me that all that salt water might not be too good for the underside.

Does anyone use protective coatings anymore there days like Ziebart? Would a good wash clean it up enough to avoid damage?

Saltwater is one of the most destructive things on the planet. I would think for an occassional dip in saltwater you would be fine with a quick wash afterwards but for prolonged exposure or frequent runs in saltwater a good undercoating of some sort would be required.

I live at the beach and have had vehicles up to the doors in saltwater so I have a bit of experience with this.

The undercoating is a waste, I used to have it done before and after summer on my jeeps and it really didn't make a difference. Wheels and rotors are the highest risk area. Saltwater disolves grease. That is why boat trailers burn through bearings quickly.

If you plan to take it into saltwater go buy one of those mini-power washers. I would bet that most people in snow regions have more damage from salt then I will ever have. Between road salt and carwash salt, they are surely in at a higher risk for salt damage. A power washer will get the salt off of your vehicle.

Also check all of your fluids to make sure there is no contamination. It has never happened to me no matter how deep i have gone. But check them. Especially the differentials

I know, some day I will pay for the saltwater driving. But it is unavoidable for me.

I just returned from two weeks on the Oregon coast driving my gorgeous H2 on every beach I could find - until one sunny afternoon I called my Hummer dealership to say I was out on a sand bar at Cape Kiwanda with the Dory Fisherman....... the reply was "GET THEE TO A HOSE - FAST"" Guess my H2 did not come with undercoating and I failed to request it. Local fisherman said not to bother...... salt water still gets under the coating and the damage is quick and DEADLY!! Too bad 'cause my photos of my H2 with surf, sand, Dory fisherman, and Haystack Rock are awesome!!!

Sue