Team #312Truck
Salt buildup is the #1 cause of winter truck damage. Here’s how South Side fleets can stay protected and avoid expensive downtime.
Chicago winters are tough on commercial vehicles, especially fleets that run daily routes across the South Side. As soon as temperatures drop and the salt trucks come out, your fleet is exposed to one of the most damaging elements on the road: corrosive salt buildup. At 312 Truck Body Repair & Painting, we see the long-term effects of winter salt damage every year, and the good news is, most of it is preventable with the right care and maintenance.
Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, helping melt ice and snow. But that same chemical reaction triggers rust and corrosion on trucks, especially on box trucks, semis, cargo vans, and work vehicles that spend hours on salted roads. Salt collects on:
Once corrosion starts, it spreads quickly. Over time, salt damage weakens structural components, eats through paint, and can lead to expensive body and frame repairs, making winter maintenance more than a cosmetic concern. It’s essential for fleet safety and longevity.
Catching salt damage early saves money and prevents downtime. Look for:
If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action.
At 312 Truck Body Repair & Painting, we recommend a proactive winter protection routine that keeps trucks working and avoids costly mid-season repairs.
Frequent rinsing – especially undercarriage cleaning, is one of the most effective ways to remove salt before it starts corroding metal. Vans, semis, and heavy-duty work trucks should be washed weekly or more during active salt periods.
A high-quality underbody coating acts like armor against salt, moisture, and debris. Applying protective coatings before heavy winter weather hits greatly reduces corrosion on frames, brake lines, and suspension components.
Salt accelerates rust wherever the paint is cracked or chipped. Our shop provides fast paint touch-ups, refinishing, and rust repair that prevents small issues from turning into expensive structural repairs.
Regular fleet inspections help identify early rust spots, especially on vehicles constantly exposed to wet, salty roads. Addressing corrosion early saves thousands in potential repairs.
Even brand-new trucks need protection. Adding undercoating and sealants to new vehicles helps preserve long-term value and keeps your fleet looking professional year-round.
Fleet managers choose us because we specialize in heavy-duty and commercial truck body care. Our team understands how Chicago winters impact work trucks and what it takes to prevent and repair cold-weather corrosion. We offer:
Whether you run delivery vehicles, service trucks, construction fleets, or transport vehicles, we keep your equipment looking sharp and performing safely through the toughest winter months.
Winter rust doesn’t wait, so neither should you. Keep your fleet protected, reliable, and ready for the road with help from 312 Truck Body Repair & Painting.
"312 Truck has been a reliable partner for our vehicle maintenance centers in the Midwest. Their team has helped with everything from Promaster vans to full-size trailers. One of the key reasons we continue to trust them is their excellent communication—keeping us informed throughout."
"Keeping our fleet in top shape is a priority, and we need a partner that operates with speed and efficiency. 312 Truck has been instrumental in helping maintain our delivery vehicles—everything from mechanical work to heavy collision and cosmetic repairs for hundreds of our units every year."
"For over 20 years, the Patel family [312's owners] has worked alongside Enterprise Rentals, managing thousands of repairs of all sizes. Their deep knowledge of the collision industry—especially fleet-specific repairs—makes them a trusted resource in keeping our vehicles road-ready."
"Although we handle minor collision work in-house, when it comes to paint, 312 Truck is our go-to. Their pricing is among the most competitive in the Chicagoland area—often half of what others charge while still delivering high-quality results. They’ve been a valuable extension of our team."
"Every off-season, we turn to 312 to refresh our fleet. They sandblast and repaint dozens of frames, trailers, and specialty paving equipment so everything is ready to hit the road again. Their speed and consistency have never let us down, and the quality of work speaks for itself."
"Our business turns old shipping containers into mobile bars and quick-serve restaurants—we needed a paint partner who understands precision. 312 Truck’s marine-grade coatings match our brand colors with a flawless finish every time. Their attention to detail exceeds our clients' high expectations."
"Our garbage trucks endure a lot of wear and tear—from accident damage to rust buildup. 312 Truck handles everything from structural repairs to repainting and de-branding before resale. Their expertise in durable, wear-resistant coatings keeps our fleet looking sharp against the elements."
