I never thought twice about what I kept in my car until one icy winter morning left me stranded. My tires spun helplessly on frozen pavement when a police officer stopped to help and offered surprising advice: “Keep a jar of salt in your car.” At first it sounded odd, but he explained it was one of the simplest ways to handle common winter problems.

The officer showed me that sprinkling salt under spinning tires can melt the thin layer of ice just enough to improve traction, helping a vehicle regain its grip without waiting for roadside assistance. He also suggested mixing salt with water and spraying it on the windshield before freezing temperatures. By morning, the ice is much easier to scrape away, making cold starts quicker and less frustrating.

Salt can also help inside the vehicle. An open jar absorbs excess moisture, reducing musty odors caused by wet shoes, floor mats, or small spills. Sprinkling salt on a fresh spill can draw out moisture before stains or unpleasant smells develop. For even better traction in icy conditions, a mixture of sand and salt provides both grip and melting power, while salt can also help loosen frozen locks and door seals.

Although salt isn’t a replacement for winter tires or a proper emergency kit, it’s an inexpensive and practical item to keep in your car. One small jar can help with slippery roads, icy windows, excess moisture, and other everyday winter challenges. Since learning the trick, I’ve kept salt in my vehicle every winter—and it has proven to be a simple solution that can save both time and unnecessary stress.