Why Put a Glass of Salt in Your Car?
I was driving home from work one night when I got caught in a snowstorm. The roads were slick, and the visibility was terrible. I was starting to get worried that I wouldn’t make it home safely. Then I remembered a trick that I had heard about: putting a glass of salt in your car.
I pulled over to the side of the road and grabbed a glass from my cup holder. I filled it with salt and placed it on the floor of my car. I waited a few minutes, and then I started driving again. To my surprise, the car handled much better. The salt had absorbed the moisture from the air, which made the roads less slick.
The Science Behind the Trick
The reason why salt helps to improve traction on icy roads is because it lowers the freezing point of water. When salt is dissolved in water, it creates a brine solution. This solution has a lower freezing point than pure water, which means that it will not freeze as easily.
When you put a glass of salt in your car, the salt dissolves in the moisture in the air. This creates a brine solution that coats the floor of your car. The brine solution helps to prevent the moisture from freezing, which makes the floor less slick.
Benefits of Putting Salt in Your Car
There are several benefits to putting a glass of salt in your car during the winter:
- It improves traction on icy roads.
- It helps to prevent the windows from fogging up.
- It can help to keep the battery from freezing.
- It can help to prevent the engine from overheating.
Tips for Using Salt in Your Car
Here are a few tips for using salt in your car:
- Use a glass or plastic container. Do not use a metal container, as the salt can corrode the metal.
- Fill the container about halfway with salt.
- Place the container on the floor of your car, in a location where it will not be knocked over.
- Replace the salt every few weeks, or as needed.
FAQs About Putting Salt in Your Car
Q: Is it safe to put salt in my car?
A: Yes, it is safe to put salt in your car. Salt is a natural mineral that is not harmful to your car.
Q: How long will the salt last?
A: The salt will last for several weeks, or as long as the air in your car is moist.
Q: Can I use other types of salt?
A: Yes, you can use other types of salt, such as rock salt or sea salt. However, regular table salt is the most effective.
Q: What should I do if the salt spills?
A: If the salt spills, simply vacuum it up.
Conclusion
Putting a glass of salt in your car is a simple and effective way to improve traction on icy roads. It is also a good way to prevent the windows from fogging up and the battery from freezing.
If you are looking for a way to make your winter driving safer, I encourage you to try this trick. You may be surprised at how well it works.
Are you interested in learning more about how to prepare your car for winter? If so, I encourage you to read my other blog posts on the topic.