Occasionally you’ll find yourself driving down one of our gravel roads and notice the surface is wet with a sticky substance – magnesium chloride. The county applies it to control dust. You’re supposed to slow down, and for good reason: If you don’t, it flies up and adheres to your vehicle. It’s highly corrosive. Car washes would rather not deal with it either, but if you bring it in, they’ll gladly charge you to remove it from your undercarriage – or you can ignore the consequences at your own expense.
By slowing down or avoiding treated roads when possible, those who live along gravel roads will breathe easier. They’ll thank you – and so will I.
Stephen Saltsman
Durango