Incredible surprise hack can help you get a better grip on frosty roads

AS Britain gears up for a blasting of snow and ice next week, motorists are being warned to take extra precautions on the roads.

Skidding over black ice may be likely while struggling over snowy patches could get drivers into a spot of bother.

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But one surprising hack could help drivers get a better grip of the roads in the chilliest conditions – and it’s much easier than you think.

If you are struggling to drive over black ice or snow, try sprinkling a handful of cat litter on the road.

Place the litter just behind your rear tyres to give them some traction, being careful to check for cars while doing so.

You can keep a bag of cat litter in your boot to ensure you always have some nearby.

Robert Harris, Director at Vehicle Contracts, said: “Most people don’t realise how many household items can be used to improve their driving safety in winter.

“Frost, snow and black ice can all cause safety issues on the roads, and we advise drivers to be prepared.

“With no need to spend on specialist de-icer products, you can invest in worthwhile items such as winter tyres, a snow shovel, torch and blanket in case you get caught out by extreme winter weather.”

Other top tips from Car leasing company Vehicle Contracts include using hand sanitiser to defrost keys and shaving cream to clear your windshield.

You can even use socks over windscreen wipers to stop snow and ice collecting on them.

Here are some of the household items you can use to protect your car from the elements.

Hand Sanitiser To Defrost Keys

If you use a manual car key, your keyhole could be prone to freezing over – making it impossible to turn the lock.

But one of the key ingredients of hand sanitiser is alcohol, which will cause any ice to melt away.

Cover your keys in sanitiser and it should glide in easily.

Shaving cream for your windshield

A fogged up windshield can take a long time to clear on a morning, adding valuable time to your journey and posing a hazard if you set off without waiting for it to clear properly. 

To save on time, clean the inside of your windscreen with shaving cream, made with many of the same ingredients as de-foggers.

Socks for windscreen wipers

If you’re parking outside during winter, you may find your windscreen wipers stick to the window.

To stop this from happening, pop a pair of long socks on your windscreen wipers to stop snow and ice from collecting there – remove them in the morning when ready to drive.

Cover side mirrors with plastic bags

To save valuable time clearing your car of ice and snow on a morning, consider covering your side mirrors with plastic bags.

This should protect them from the elements overnight, leaving them clear for the morning.

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