Most people wouldn’t think to keep a glass of salt in their car—it belongs in the kitchen, right? I thought the same, until a police officer pulled me over on a bitterly cold morning and handed me one of the handiest tricks I’ve ever used. My tires were skidding on icy streets, and the officer smiled as he said, “If you want to save yourself a headache in weather like this, keep a glass of salt in the car.

Sounds old-fashioned, but it works.” He explained that a pinch of salt under spinning tires melts just enough ice for traction, the same principle road crews use but scaled down. Even better, mixing salt with water can prevent frost from forming on your windshield overnight, turning scraping a sheet of ice into a simple swipe.

Salt also absorbs moisture and odors inside the car, making it perfect for damp floor mats or lingering smells from spilled drinks. A sealed glass jar works best, and if you live where ice dominates half the year, mixing salt with sand provides both melt and grip. It can even help thaw frozen locks or door seals in a pinch.

The first time I tried it, I sprinkled a bit under my stuck tires and rolled out effortlessly. Later, I kept it in the cup holder to fight minor spills and smells. It’s simple, cheap, and effective—never replacing safety gear, but always filling in the small gaps that make winter driving less frustrating. This tiny trick has become a must-have in my car, a quiet reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most reliable.