AAA says that drivers will spend about $3 billion each year fixing damage caused by salt and brine corrosion.

Road salt and brine solutions are often used to keep roadways safe during winter weather – but experts say that the substances may be doing more harm than good to cars. Brine solutions contain magnesium chloride, which can corrode parts of a car faster than rock salt.

“It’s a costly job. If you have to change all the brake lines on some cars today, you could be talking $600 to $700 by the time you’re done,” says Jerry Beni with Ideal Garage. “It rots the fittings and the fittings don’t come out. It turns into a real nightmare.”

Car experts say that the best defense it to have cars washed or rinsed off often during the winter months.