Most drivers would never imagine that keeping a glass of salt in their car could be useful. It sounds like something for the kitchen rather than the road. Yet one winter morning, after struggling on icy streets, a police officer shared a practical tip: sprinkling a little salt under the tires can help melt surface ice and provide enough traction to get moving again. It’s the same principle road crews use in winter, just on a smaller scale.

Salt can also make other aspects of winter driving easier. When mixed with water and applied to a windshield the night before, it helps prevent frost from forming, making morning cleanup quicker. Inside the vehicle, a small jar of salt acts as a natural moisture and odor absorber, which is especially useful for damp floor mats or lingering smells after spills. For particularly icy areas, combining salt with sand can provide both melting power and extra grip.

Its usefulness doesn’t stop there. Salt can even help with frozen locks or doors by loosening the ice that causes them to stick. While it’s not a substitute for proper winter gear such as snow brushes, de-icer sprays, or emergency supplies, having a simple jar of salt available can make certain situations much less stressful.

After trying the trick myself, I quickly saw how effective it could be. Since then, I’ve kept a small jar of salt in my car throughout the year. It’s inexpensive, easy to store, and surprisingly reliable—a small step that makes winter driving a little safer and far more manageable.