Automotive specialists recommend using it as a budget-friendly ‘hack’ this winter
A common household product available for just £2 at supermarkets has emerged as a crucial ally in combating snowy driveways during winter. Britain is currently experiencing bitter temperatures and hazardous driving conditions as 2026 begins with below-freezing temperatures and forecasts predicting up to 15 inches of snowfall across certain regions.
This spells dangerous journeys, frost-covered windscreens and precarious front garden paths for Britons grappling with the harsh weather during their daily commute or school run. The Met Office has issued several weather warnings for snow and ice, including across North East England.
To help UK households stay safe, people are being urged to buy a £2 ‘must-have’ as soon as possible to tackle a common problem as bad weather hits this weekend. Whilst local authorities do their utmost to treat primary routes with grit, countless residents find themselves tackling icy surfaces directly outside their properties.
Many resort to the conventional method of purchasing substantial sacks of salt and grit, reports the Mirror. Nevertheless, this option proves neither economical, practical, nor easily accessible, particularly when demand rockets during unexpected freezing spells.
Motor industry experts have disclosed a cost-effective winter solution that’s becoming increasingly popular amongst clever drivers. Their advice involves purchasing cat litter, regardless of whether you actually keep felines.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, noted: “When scattered over an icy driveway, non-clumping clay cat litter provides instant traction underfoot and under tyres, reducing the risk of slips and skids. Unlike rock salt, which works by melting ice, cat litter acts like tiny grit granules that give grip even in the coldest temperatures.”
A 10-litre bag is priced at £2.18 at Aldi. Meanwhile, Tesco customers can locate it on their shelves for just a penny more at £2.19.
Mr Conway stated: “Better still, for households with pets it’s something you may already have in a cupboard at home.” However, cat litter isn’t the only household trick that can make winter driving safer and less stressful.
Create your own de-icing spray to clear windscreens. Combine three parts white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and coat your windscreen in the evening to prevent ice forming overnight. It won’t completely eliminate the need for scraping but it can significantly reduce build-up.
Cover wing mirrors with plastic bags. Sandwich bags or small bin liners work perfectly. Attach before you retire for the night and come morning, you’ll remove them to reveal ice-free mirrors.
Store an extra doormat in your boot. If your wheels start spinning on an icy drive, slide an old doormat or even a carpet offcut under the tyres. This will provide the additional traction needed to get moving.
Mr Conway said: “Driving in winter can be tough, especially when the mercury plummets. There are plenty of products on the market to address some of the problems the conditions can cause, but there are also a few money-friendly hacks that do a decent job.”