Keep a Glass of Salt in Your Car
When winter hits, icy roads and freezing temperatures create dangerous conditions for drivers. Most people stock their cars with the usual cold-weather essentials—ice scrapers, blankets, gloves, flashlights—but police and emergency responders have begun sharing an unexpected life hack that can make a surprisingly big difference:
👉 **Keep a glass (or small container) of salt in your car.**
It sounds strange at first, but this simple trick has multiple practical uses during cold-weather emergencies—and it could help keep you safe when it matters most.
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## **Why Salt? The Science Behind the Hack**
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, which is why it’s used on roads and sidewalks. When temperatures drop, a small amount of salt can break the icy glaze that forms on surfaces, making them safer and more manageable.
Police officers and winter-weather experts say that keeping salt in your vehicle can help you in several common roadside situations.
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## **1. Salt Helps Your Tires Gain Traction on Ice**
Getting stuck on a patch of ice—whether in your driveway, a parking lot, or at a stop sign—is a winter nightmare many drivers know too well.
If your tires start spinning without gripping, sprinkling a few handfuls of salt in front of and behind them can:
* **Melt the ice beneath the tires**
* **Create a gritty surface for traction**
* **Help the tires “grab” enough to move**
This trick has saved countless drivers from calling roadside assistance for something that could be fixed in seconds.
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## **2. Salt Can Prevent Your Doors From Freezing Shut**
Car doors can freeze shut overnight, especially after snow or sleet. Rubbing a bit of salt water along the rubber seals (sparingly!) can prevent ice buildup around the edges.
Pro tip from officers:
**Don’t pour saltwater into door locks—use it only on rubber seals.**
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## **3. Helps Melt Ice on Windshield Wipers**
If your wipers freeze to the windshield, gently applying a pinch of salt around the edges can speed up the thaw, preventing damage to the motor or blades.
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## **4. Emergency De-Icing for Windshields**
No scraper? No problem.
Salt won’t instantly clear a thick sheet of ice, but in minor cases or when ice begins to form unexpectedly, a small amount can help melt thin layers enough to use your wipers safely.
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## **5. It’s Useful if You’re Stranded**
Being stranded in winter is dangerous. While salt can’t replace a survival kit, it *can* help you:
* Clear ice around your tires
* Free frozen latches
* Keep doors from sealing shut
* Maintain visibility by quickly melting thin frost
It’s a small tool that can make a big difference when you’re stuck waiting for help.
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## **How to Store Salt Safely in Your Car**
Police recommend:
* Using a **sturdy glass jar** or **plastic leak-proof container**
* Keeping it in an easy-to-reach location (under the seat, glove box, or trunk)
* Avoiding metal containers because salt can corrode them
Some officers even carry **small restaurant-style salt shakers** for convenience.
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## **Other Winter Essentials Cops Recommend Keeping in Your Car**
While salt is surprisingly effective, it works best as part of a full winter safety kit. Experts suggest adding:
* Ice scraper and brush
* Blanket
* Battery pack or jumper cables
* Flashlight
* Non-perishable snacks
* Water
* Small shovel
* Sand or cat litter for traction
* First-aid kit
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## **Final Thoughts**
It’s a simple trick—almost too simple—but that’s exactly why it’s brilliant.
Salt is cheap, easy to store, and incredibly effective in icy emergencies. Police officers who respond to winter accidents say it’s one of the most underrated tools a driver can have.
**A small glass of salt could be the difference between being stuck… and getting safely back on the road.**
