Rusting in Kansas?

[Delta]

The west coast is also on planet earth, but they don't have rust out there

That's up for debate... just not here

 

[ripcord]

That's up for debate... just not here

Silence, Earthling!

 

[awguy]

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

 

[2heeldrive]

I've lived in Kansas all my life. Yes, the roads get salted in the winter. Back in the day, we got more snow and ice. Now it is not as often, maybe three to five times a year. There is usually a chance to get the salt washed off the cars several times, even in the dead of winter. I don't see many rusted out cars here like we used to.

Cars farther north see a lot more salt than we do. Watching South Main Auto on Youtube I am blown away by the rusty cars in New York. The cars here look pristine compared to those. I have 2002 Sequoia that is known for rotted out frames, but no problems so far.

If you find a car in Wichita that you like, chances are it will not be a rust bucket as long as it always lived there. But, always check the carfax. I am surprised by the number of cars from the northeast that end up here.

 

[40Deluxe]

I am talking about the Witchita area specifically. How often are the roads salted there in the winter?

In Wichita roads will be pretreated with a brine that is activated by moisture. This is the first step then if any type of frozen precipitation is encountered they will be treated with salt and sand. This is only done by the weather that is being encountered. So at that point is up to mother nature how much they are treated. There are weeks that the roads are treated several times and may go several weeks with nothing.

 

[fdcg27]

The amount of bad winter weather determines the amount of road salt and brine used and therefore the average amount of rust vehicles accrue in any area.
In Ohio, vehicles in the north have more easily observed rust than do those down here in the SW.
Bottom line is that the farther from regular severe winter weather you get the less rust you'll find.
In places like LA and Phoenix or Tuscon you see no rust on old vehicles. Sun blasted paint and cracked interior plastics for sure but not rust.

 

[MrJayhawk]

I would like to determine whether Kansas has a decent supply of rust free older vehicles, or if I should expect the average vehicle in Kansas to be in a similar condition with respect to rust as the upper midwest "Rust Belt" states.

My understanding is that there isn't snow on the ground all winter, so I would suspect much less frequent salting of the roads. If the roads are only salted a handful of times per year during major snowfalls, then I would suspect vehicles would survive well over time.

You mentioned Wichita. Approx 55 miles to the NW of Wichita is the city of Hutchinson. One of the greatest salt deposits in the US sits under Hutch. Transport of salt in state of KS is easy and close, and they spread it on the roads in wintertime like they have an unlimited supply which they do more or less. Cars here may not be as rusted out as NY cars, but they probably are not too far behind.