I used to keep nothing but napkins and loose change in my car—until one icy morning changed everything. My tires spun on a sheet of slick pavement, going nowhere no matter how hard I pressed the gas. As I sat there stuck and stressed, a police officer walked over, checked the ground beneath my tires, and said something I never expected:
“Keep a jar of salt in your car.”
I thought he was joking—until he explained why this simple item can save you from winter headaches.
Why Salt Is a Winter Lifesaver
Most of us think of salt as something for kitchen cabinets, not car trunks. But the officer told me that sprinkling a handful under stuck tires melts the thin layer of ice just enough to create grip. It works like the scaled-down version of the salt spreaders you see on winter roads.
No tow truck.
No waiting.
Just a few seconds of science doing the heavy lifting.
More Ways Salt Comes to the Rescue
Once he started talking, the officer shared a whole list of small, useful tricks:
• Melt ice on your windshield faster
A light saltwater mix sprayed the night before a freeze helps prevent thick buildup, making morning scraping much easier.
• Clear frozen door locks and seals
A pinch of salt can help loosen ice faster than many store-bought sprays.
• Improve traction instantly
Mix a little sand with salt and keep it in a small container. The sand adds grip; the salt melts the slick layer underneath.
• Reduce moisture and musty smells inside your car
An open jar of salt can absorb dampness from wet mats, snow-soaked shoes, and even spilled drinks.
• Help clean up spills
Sprinkle salt on fresh liquid spills—it lifts moisture before it can stain fabric.
Since that morning, I’ve kept a jar in my trunk every winter. It has saved me from getting stuck more than once and helped me clear frost twice as fast.
Small, Inexpensive, and Shockingly Useful
Salt won’t replace snow tires or emergency equipment, but it’s a simple tool that solves everyday cold-weather problems. It’s affordable, takes up almost no space, and can turn a frustrating winter moment into something manageable.
If you prepare your car for winter, add a small jar of salt to the list. You may be surprised how often it comes in handy.
