Most people would never think to keep a glass of salt in their car—it sounds more like a kitchen staple than a driving tool. I thought the same until a police officer pulled me over on a freezing morning and shared a trick that’s saved me countless headaches since. My tires had been skidding on icy streets, and he explained, “Sprinkle a little salt under the tires—it melts just enough ice for traction.”
It’s the same principle road crews use, just on a smaller scale. Salt’s usefulness doesn’t stop there. Mixed with water, it can keep frost from forming on your windshield overnight, turning scraping into a quick swipe. Inside the car, salt absorbs moisture and odors, perfect for damp mats or lingering smells from spills.
A sealed glass jar works best, and for areas with heavy ice, mixing salt with sand offers both melting power and grip. It can even help loosen frozen locks or door seals.
The first time I tried it, I freed my stuck tires instantly. Since then, I keep salt handy year-round, tucked in a cup holder. It’s simple, cheap, and reliable—not a replacement for proper gear, but a small trick that makes winter driving far easier.