The Surprising Life Hack Cops Recommend for Icy Roads and Car Emergencies

Many drivers overlook the idea of keeping salt in their vehicles. I certainly did—until that frosty morning. The officer explained that by sprinkling salt under spinning tires, it melts the thin layer of ice just enough to provide traction, functioning like a mini version of the road crews salting the highways. No need for towing, no lengthy waits—just straightforward science making life simpler.

But that’s not all. A mixture of salt and water can be sprayed on your windshield the night before a freeze, transforming stubborn ice into a thin layer that can be easily scraped off in the morning. Inside your vehicle, an open jar of salt can absorb moisture and eliminate odors from spills, wet mats, or even gym bags. Just sprinkle a little on fresh spills, and it will soak up the liquid before it has a chance to set.

For better traction, a combination of sand and salt provides extra grip under your tires. Salt also aids in thawing frozen door locks and seals more quickly than any de-icer. Since that day, I’ve depended on this simple trick countless times—liberating my car from icy situations, clearing frost faster than my neighbors, and even refreshing the interior.

Small, Affordable, and Surprisingly Useful