What To Put On Ice For Traction – Traction Magic

We all know it’s important to have traction on your vehicle. But, let’s be honest with ourselves: in most cases, we don’t have time to check the tires every time we head out on an icy road. So, if you’re stuck in a situation where your car won’t move and you need some help getting it unstuck, What to put on ice for traction?

Here are 5 things that can be used for traction purposes.

What To Put On Ice For Traction

• Rock Salt

Rock salt is a great option for traction, but there are some drawbacks. Rock salt will corrode your vehicle, which means it can also corrode the steel tracks of your car or truck. The corrosive nature of rock salt also means that you should avoid using it on wooden walkways and decks, as it could damage the wood. Next time you’re wondering what to put on ice for traction, eliminate salt from your options.

• Calcium Chloride

You can also use calcium chloride to make traction on ice. The main disadvantage of this method is that it is not safe for plants or pets, so you may have to be careful where you put it down.

You’ll need to be careful with the sand, though. Sand is great for traction but can also be a hazard if it gets into the engine or onto your clothes.

Sand is another option for traction. The disadvantage of sand is that you can’t really control where it ends up; if you pour too much on the road, it will end up in your car or in other people’s cars.

• Kitty Litter

The disadvantage of this method is that it can be slippery when wet. And if you’re using anything other than standard clay kitty litter (like silica gel), then your tire treads may not grip as well as they do on regular snow or ice. 

So if you’re planning on putting kitty litter down before heading out into the cold, keep that in mind and make sure to check back often for updates on weather conditions as well as how much your tires need reapplying after each use of kitty litter!

Traction Magic

Traction Magic is a granular traction additive that you can sprinkle on the ice to help with traction. It’s available at many hardware stores and does not contain any chemicals or toxins. It’s biodegradable and non-toxic: if you get it on yourself, you don’t need to worry about it harming your skin or clothing. This is the best way to get better traction in snow.

Best Materials to Use on a Black Ice Road

Facing a black ice road during winter is one of the most dangerous driving and walking conditions. Black ice is clear and nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye—it blends into the pavement and feels just like glass beneath your tires or boots. But what is black ice on roads, really? It’s simply a thin, transparent sheet of ice formed when rain, snow, or moisture freezes rapidly, especially overnight or in shaded areas. It doesn’t look like ice, but it’s just as slippery—and far more deceptive.

The most critical mistake people make is assuming any traction material will work on black ice. But here’s the truth: not all traction aids are made equal. You might ask, “Can snow turn into black ice?” Yes, especially if the temperature drops quickly after light snowfall or melted snow remains on a surface. It refreezes into a sleek, thin layer that vehicles and people slide right over.

So, what to do when driving on black ice? First, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Second, prepare the road or driveway ahead of time using proven traction products. This is where Traction Magic outperforms outdated methods like rock salt, sand, or kitty litter. While those may offer minimal grip, they lack the ability to lock into the surface like Traction Magic’s mineral granules do. It doesn’t rely on melting but instead creates instant grip—perfect for unexpected black ice patches.

How to Stay Safe on a Black Ice Road Using Instant Traction

Navigating a black ice road is about preparation, not reaction. Once your wheels are spinning or your feet are slipping, it’s often too late. What’s needed is a product that responds immediately without needing heat, sun, or time to take effect. Traction Magic was developed for this exact purpose. Its natural, chemical-free granules embed into the ice and create friction that stops slips on contact.

People often wonder things like “What operators have black ice?”—often referring to tactical gear or virtual tools in video games. But when it comes to real-world winter, black ice doesn’t play fair. It appears without warning, and unless you’re equipped with effective tools like ice Traction Magic, your safety is at risk.

Don’t wait until your driveway becomes a skating rink. Store Traction Magic where it’s easy to reach and apply it at the first sign of freezing. Whether you’re walking the dog or reversing out of a driveway, it turns a slick surface into a stable one in seconds.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering what to put on ice for traction, knowing how to handle a black ice road is essential. Products like Traction Magic don’t just offer traction—they give peace of mind. While sand, salt, and kitty litter may have once been the go-to choices, they lack the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of modern traction solutions. Stay safe, stay prepared, and use what works when the ice hits.

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