As the UK faces freezing temperatures and up to 15 inches of snow in early 2026, motorists are turning to a budget-friendly solution for icy driveways: cat litter. Automotive expert Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, recommends non-clumping clay cat litter as an alternative to traditional grit or salt.
“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 works by melting ice, cat litter acts like tiny grit granules that give grip even in the coldest temperatures.”
A 10-litre bag of cat litter costs just £2.18 at Aldi, or £2.19 at Tesco, making it an affordable option for households. Conway added that for pet owners, it may already be in the cupboard.
Additional winter hacks include spraying a mixture of three parts white vinegar to one part water on windscreens overnight to reduce ice buildup, using sandwich bags or bin liners on mirrors to keep them ice-free, and placing an old doormat under spinning tyres for extra traction.
Conway noted: “Driving in winter can be tough, especially when the mercury plummets. There are plenty of products on the market, but there are also a few money-friendly hacks that do a decent job.”
