Stepping out onto an unexpectedly icy driveway can be a heart-stopping moment, turning a simple journey into a hazardous slip-and-slide. With the UK facing a frosty start to 2026, including predictions of up to 15 inches of snow in some regions, finding affordable ways to combat the freeze at home has become a priority for many.
The £2 Driveway Solution Hiding in Your Cupboard
While councils focus on gritting main roads, homeowners are often left to tackle the perilous patches on their own drives and paths. Purchasing bags of salt or grit can be expensive and inconvenient, especially during sudden cold snaps. However, a leading automotive expert has highlighted a remarkably cheap and effective alternative that is gaining popularity: non-clumping clay cat litter.
Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, explains the simple science behind the hack. "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," he said. "Unlike rock salt, which works by melting ice, cat litter acts like tiny grit granules that give grip even in the coldest temperatures."
The product is readily available on supermarket shelves for just over £2. A 10-litre bag costs £2.18 in Aldi, while Tesco sells a similar product for £2.19. For households that already have a feline friend, it might even be a product already sitting in the cupboard, making it a truly cost-free solution.
Additional Winter Wisdom for Motorists
Beyond the cat litter tip, Graham Conway and other savvy drivers recommend several other low-cost hacks to make winter driving safer and less stressful.
Create a Homemade De-icer: To prevent ice from forming on your windscreen overnight, mix three parts white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Apply it in the evening. While it may not completely eliminate the need for scraping, it can significantly reduce ice build-up.
Bag Your Wing Mirrors: A simple but effective trick involves covering your wing mirrors with sandwich bags or small bin liners before you retire for the night. In the morning, you can simply remove the bags to reveal ice-free mirrors, saving time and frustration.
Keep Traction Aids in Your Boot: If your car's wheels spin helplessly on an icy patch, an old doormat or a piece of carpet offcut stored in the boot can be a lifesaver. Placing it under the driving wheels provides the extra grip needed to get moving.
Driving Safely Through the Big Freeze
Graham Conway emphasised that while winter driving presents challenges, simple preparations can make a world of difference. "Driving in winter can be tough, especially when the mercury plummets," he noted. "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."
As sub-zero temperatures grip the nation, these practical and purse-friendly tips offer a way to enhance safety right on your doorstep. From a £2 bag of cat litter to common household vinegar, the tools for a safer winter might be closer than you think.
