The Surprising Reason Drivers Are Keeping Salt in a Glass Inside Their Cars
On a cold winter morning, Rachel noticed something unusual in the car ahead of her: a small glass jar filled with coarse salt, sitting on the dashboard. She had seen it before in photos online, but never in real life. Curious, she asked her friend Mark about it, who shrugged and said, “Oh, that’s just in case something happens.”
It turns out that more drivers than ever are keeping a simple, ordinary substance—table salt—in an equally ordinary container inside their vehicles. But this isn’t a quirky superstition or an Instagram trend. There’s a surprisingly practical reason behind it, blending safety, preparedness, and a little old-fashioned ingenuity.
Salt: Not Just for Cooking
For most people, salt is something used in the kitchen—seasoning food, preserving ingredients, or even sprinkling over icy sidewalks. But salt has other properties that many drivers have discovered the hard way. When kept dry in a sealed container inside a car, salt can serve multiple functions, from emergency traction aid to a moisture-absorbing agent.
“It’s amazing how versatile salt is,” explains Emily Watson, a survival expert and author of Urban Preparedness for Everyday Life. “People often overlook the fact that simple household items can become critical tools in unexpected situations.”
The Traction Trick
One of the most common uses for salt in a car is for traction. Winter weather brings icy roads, and cars can easily get stuck in snow or on slick patches. While sand or specialized traction mats are popular solutions, salt offers a unique advantage: it melts ice.
By sprinkling a small amount of salt behind the wheels of a stuck vehicle, drivers can create a gritty surface that improves grip. Even if the car is only slightly wedged, this can help tires gain traction and move forward. Many drivers keep a glass jar of salt within easy reach for precisely this reason.
“I got stuck last winter in a parking lot,” says Rachel. “I remembered seeing that jar idea online. Just a pinch behind my wheels, and I was able to get out without calling for a tow. I couldn’t believe it.”
Moisture Control Inside the Car
Another practical reason drivers keep salt in a glass is moisture absorption. Cars are prone to humidity, which can lead to fogged windows, musty smells, or even damage to electronics over time. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. A small jar placed under a seat or on a console can help reduce dampness and keep the interior dry.
“Especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rain, salt can act like a tiny dehumid
