Keeping a car by the bay
Salt in the air
The Bayside Parklands run along 16 km of shoreline, and a car that lives near them breathes salt. Salt water speeds rust, because its chloride ions speed up corrosion. RAC WA's advice is to wash a car exposed to salt air or salt water as soon as you can, and at least once a month.
Underneath, where it starts
RAA says the underbody collects the grime the tyres throw up, and left alone it can lead to corrosion and gum up suspension parts. Ask for the brake lines, exhaust, subframe and suspension mounts to be looked at during each service.
A car that waits for the weekend
Wynnum North, Wynnum and Wynnum Central are all on the Cleveland line. If the train gets you to work and the car sits all week, RACV says drive it for at least 20 minutes a week so the battery recharges.
Street repairs
Wynnum is in the City of Brisbane, whose local law bans repairing a vehicle on council roads or footpaths unless it's an emergency, like a flat tyre. A mobile mechanic will need your driveway, garage or a private car park.
Boats, trailers and salt water
If the car backs a boat trailer into the bay, salt water gets onto the tow bar, the rear of the car and the trailer's wheels. Hose the car and the trailer down with fresh water the same day.
Towing a boat also counts as harder use. RACV says servicing around every six months may be needed for cars that tow, so check which schedule in your logbook fits and say in the note that the car tows. Battery terminals are worth a look too: corrosion around them is one of the signs RACV lists of a battery on the way out.
Where we'd start
We'd ask for an underbody check every time the car goes in, not just when something squeaks. By the bay, rust caught early is a wire brush and some sealant. Caught late, it's a part.