Salt, and the various chemical substitutes used on our roads, melt ice and snow. Sand just gives you a little more traction. Sand is easily covered up and frozen or snowed over, rendering it useless.

Also, sand isn't ideal for auto rust either. It'll clump in crevices and retain moisture, promoting rust. Not as bad as an active chemical like salt that will react and cause rust, but still not ideal.

 

Some places tried no salt. it was a disaster. Lots of winter accidents. Serious accidents. Around here (Vermont) they use a mixture of salt and sand quite a bit. But, sometimes they just put the salt to it pretty heavy. Sand does not change the freezing point of water. Salt lowers the freezing point. This has the effect of keeping the roads clear and dry (or just wet not icy) after a storm. Saves lives. Kills cars over the long haul. Salt is corrosive. Lots of money is spent by car owners up this way to avoid the damaging affects of salt. But, it definitely takes its toll. If you look at the undercarriage of a car that has never seen salt and compare it to the undercarriage of a car that lives in salt all winter you will see the difference. This is one major reason for my decision to put my S to bed for the winter.

 

Took mine off as any s2000 with rust in the quarter panels are usually the ones with those remaining in place. They have been responsible for rust on other Honda models too. The help to reduce stone chips but they trap moisture. I roll on rubberized rocker guard to give added protection from stone chips. If you don't drive in the rain or snow you might be fine leaving them in place.

 

If you do remove it, be certain to clean the area thoroughly. A lot of dirt and crud can accumulate there.

 

 

Is that the other side of the one you posted earlier Joe?

 

I have no idea where I found that pic. Do note the snow tires though .....