I never paid much attention to what I kept in my car—until one freezing winter morning changed everything. My tires spun uselessly on ice, leaving me stuck. A police officer stopped, looked at the situation, and said, “Keep a jar of salt in your car.” I laughed at first, but he explained how practical it was.

Most drivers don’t think to keep salt on hand. The officer showed me that sprinkling it under spinning tires melts the ice just enough to restore traction—“like having a personal mini road crew in your trunk.” No waiting, no fuss, just instant grip.

He also suggested mixing salt with water to spray on windshields before a freeze. Instead of waking to stubborn ice, you get a thin layer that scrapes off easily. Inside the car, an open jar absorbs moisture and eliminates odors from spills or wet mats. “Sprinkle it on fresh spills and it quickly pulls out the moisture before it stains or smells,” he said.

For extra grip, a sand-and-salt mix works well, and salt can even thaw frozen locks and seals faster than many store-bought de-icers. Since that day, I’ve relied on this trick repeatedly—it’s never failed me.

Salt won’t replace winter tires or emergency gear, but it’s cheap, versatile, and effective. One small jar can melt ice, clear frost, freshen your car, and save time. A tiny bit of preparation can turn a miserable winter morning into a manageable one.