Regarding the story by Tom Groening about the liquid salt prematurely rusting out vehicles, “Auto shops say liquid salt hurts cars” (BDN, Nov. 27), I feel that the story raises more questions that need to be addressed.

I work in a garage that has seen a huge increase in the amount of work caused by corrosion underneath vehicles. If it’s not caused by this liquid salt, what is the cause? Brian Burne, the Department of Transportation’s chief highway maintenance engineer, states that corrosion inhibitors are added to the brine. What inhibitors? And, just what anti-corrosion standards does the state use?

The Maine State Police regulate vehicle inspections in this state. What is their position on the use of liquid salt pertaining to corrosion? Is it true that the use of liquid salt is outlawed in several states? If so, why?

My parts suppliers are selling off their stocks of steel brake and fuel lines, replacing them with the new polymer-coated lines. Why is that?

I thank Mr. Groening for bringing this subject to light, and perhaps he might do a follow-up to answer some of these questions. I also invite Mr. Burne to stop by the shop sometime and explain this ever-growing pile of rusted brake lines.

Roger Treadwell

Treads Garage

Clifton