Stepping out onto an unexpectedly icy driveway is a heart-stopping moment many Brits will face this winter, with the risk of a nasty fall ever-present. However, a simple and incredibly cheap solution, costing just over £2, could be the key to keeping your path safe and slip-free.
The £2 Driveway Saviour You Might Already Own
As the UK faces a frosty start to 2026, with sub-zero temperatures and predictions of up to 15 inches of snow in some regions, hazardous conditions are making drives and pathways treacherous. While councils grit main roads, homeowners are often left to deal with their own icy patches. Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, has championed a clever and affordable hack gaining popularity: using non-clumping clay cat litter.
"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," Conway explained. Unlike rock salt which melts ice, the litter acts as miniature grit granules, offering grip even in the coldest conditions. A 10-litre bag costs just £2.18 at Aldi, with Tesco selling it for a penny more at £2.19.
Other Essential Winter Motoring Hacks
Beyond the cat litter tip, several other DIY solutions can make winter driving safer and less stressful. These budget-friendly alternatives are perfect for when specialised products are sold out or too expensive during a sudden cold snap.
Create a Homemade De-icer: Mix three parts white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Applying this to your windscreen in the evening can significantly reduce overnight ice build-up, making morning scraping far easier.
Protect Wing Mirrors with Bags: A simple but effective trick is to cover your wing mirrors with sandwich bags or small bin liners overnight. Secure them with an elastic band, and in the morning, simply remove them to reveal ice-free mirrors.
Keep Traction Aids in Your Boot: If your car's wheels spin on an icy drive, an old doormat or a piece of carpet offcut placed under the tyres can provide the crucial extra grip needed to get moving.
Driving Safely Through the Big Freeze
Graham Conway emphasised the challenges of winter driving, stating: "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."
With the weather set to remain bitterly cold, these practical and inexpensive tips could be vital for ensuring safety around the home and on the road. The cat litter hack, in particular, offers a brilliant solution for households looking for an immediate, low-cost way to tackle icy surfaces.
