Sand, salt and kitty litter come in handy for winter drivers

Salt and other de-icing products are great to sprinkle on your driveway.
Salt and other de-icing products are great to sprinkle on your driveway. | File photo

The Lithia Auto Stores' blog offers tips on how kitty litter, sand and salt can come in handy for drivers dealing with snowy or icy winter weather.

Roads and driveways can get a bit slick, which could cause spinning tires and stuck vehicles. Salt, sand or kitty litter can be used to help get a vehicle moving again when necessary.

Sand is the most commonly used of the three materials. It offers traction on driveways without contributing to rust. It also won't harm vegetation such as grass on the nearby lawns.

While kitty litter is great for offering a little traction in a pinch, it is best for small areas, such as when stuck somewhere away from home. Spread a little in front of or behind the car's tires. Do not spread it across an entire driveway or use it on a road because kitty litter gets slippery once it absorbs water, which could make things worse for other drivers.

Salt and other de-icing products are great to sprinkle on your driveway when you suspect it could freeze overnight, such as when the sun thaws snow during the day and temperatures drop after dark. It is also useful if your vehicle gets stuck on a large patch of ice over a paved area. Keep a little sand, salt or kitty litter in the trunk and the garage to help make winter driving conditions less tricky.