It was a freezing winter morning when my car started to slide on an icy road. I managed to pull over safely, heart pounding, and moments later, a police officer stopped to check if I was okay.
After making sure I wasn’t hurt, he leaned toward my window and said something I’ll never forget:
“Keep a glass of salt in your car. It sounds odd, but it can save you more than you think.”
At first, I thought he was joking. Salt? In the car? But as he explained, I realized how brilliant the idea was — and now I never drive without it.
Here’s why:
It gives instant traction. If your tires are spinning on ice, sprinkle a bit of salt under them. It melts the slick surface and helps you move again without calling for help.
It prevents icy windshields. A light saltwater solution wiped on your windshield before a cold night keeps frost from sticking, saving you time in the morning.
It absorbs odors and moisture. An open jar of salt in your cup holder can neutralize smells and dampness better than most air fresheners.
It’s handy in emergencies. You can mix salt with sand for traction, use it to thaw frozen locks, or even clean sticky spills in a pinch.
The officer told me to keep it in a sealed glass or jar — easy to reach but secure so it doesn’t spill.
Since that day, I’ve shared his advice with friends and family, and many have thanked me for it. It’s such a small, inexpensive thing — but sometimes, the simplest tools make the biggest difference.
Next time you restock your car, toss in a small jar of salt. You might never need it — but if you do, you’ll be grateful for that one piece of wisdom from a kind police officer on a cold winter morning.