b'INSURANCEeven wheel wells and chassis components receive the deep clean they require.Salt, whether it comes directly from beach driving or the lingering sea breeze, presents another formidable challenge to 4WD durability. Unlike mud, which18 Uses for Plasma: The Lifesaving primarily causes localized damage, salt has a corrosiveGift That Keeps on Givingnature that can work its way into both the vehicles exterior and internal components. Deposits of saltPlasma, the golden liquid in our blood, is essential often settle in the same areas that mud clings to,in treating a wide range of medical conditions, from the undercarriage, wheel arches, chassis rails, andburn victims to people with blood disorders. In even along door seals. Over time, these salt depositsAustralia, over 18,000 plasma donations are needed can corrode not just the visible exterior but canevery week to meet patient demand. While you also undermine critical systems such as braking,may never know exactly who benefits from your electrical wiring, and even seal integrity. There aredonation, one thing is certain: they will be deeply some preventative measures you can take like applygrateful for your generosity.rust protection coatings to vulnerable areas, rinsingTake Michael Klim, for example. The Olympic with fresh water after salt exposure, and salt-specificswimming legend, known for his iconic performance cleaners to neutralize corrosive residue. Some ownersat the 2000 Sydney Olympics, now faces a personal take extra precautions by applying protective agents challenge. In 2020, he was diagnosed with chronic like lanolin or fish oil to create an additional barrierinflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy against salt intrusion. (CIDP), a rare autoimmune condition that affects It is the underbody of your 4WD that generally bearshis muscles, particularly in his legs. To manage his the brunt of the onslaught from mud and salt. Thecondition and stay well, Michael relies on regular underside of your vehicle is a hidden battlefield whereinfusions made from donated plasma. Every six corrosion often begins unnoticed. Key areas to watchweeks, he receives treatment derived from up to six include the chassis rails, which form the backbone ofplasma donations or 32 blood donations. Thats 278 your vehicle. Over time, the combination of trappeddonors worth just for him alone.moisture from mud and the aggressive chemical actionBut Michaels story isnt unique. Every day, over of salt can create rust spots that weaken these crucial1,000 Australians rely on plasma or plasma-derived supports. Additionally, the brake lines and suspensiontreatments to manage conditions like autoimmune mounting points can become compromised if saltdiseases, blood disorders, burns, and trauma. deposits accumulate, leading to potential mechanicalPlasma is used for 18 different medical purposes, failures. Electrical connectors and wiring looms tuckedand each donation helps save lives or improve away beneath the body are particularly susceptible toquality of life.short-circuiting if sealed compounds begin to degrade under the influence of corrosive substances. RegularThe donation process itself takes about 45 minutes. inspection of these areas should involve a close lookWhile thats a little longer than a whole blood for flaking protective coatings, dark discolorations, ordonation, the recovery time is much quicker, plasma any signs of pitting and rust formation. Using a soakeris needed from all blood typesso youll be giving hose or sprinkler to give the undercarriage a thoroughexactly what patients need. In fact, you can donate rinse after each off-road adventure is an indispensableplasma every two weeks, giving you the opportunity step. Furthermore, it is wise to periodically haveto help more frequently. Now thats what we call a professional assess the integrity of underbodyreal impact!components, as early intervention can preempt whatLifeblood needs a donor every 4minutes to ensure might otherwise evolve into a costly repair or evenAustralians receive the treatments they need. compromise the vehicles structural safety. Your next donation could help someone like In the grand adventure of off-roading, the war againstMichael Klim. Join the Four Wheel Drive Victoria mud, salt, and rust is never truly over. By committingLifeblood team today if youd like to be part of our to a routine of thorough cleaning, smart maintenance,growing donor community and a few well-chosen protective measures, youre notand donate. With over just preserving metal and paint, youre investing in45 donation sites across every future journey across Australias untamed wilds,Victoria, its easier than ever allowing you to concentrate on the thrill of your nextto make a difference.expedition with confidence. Safe travels and happy donating!28 TRACKWATCH| Autumn 2025'