Winter Driving Tricks: How Ashes and Ice Melt Mixtures Help Clear the Roads
Winter driving conditions can be dangerously treacherous, making it crucial to have effective methods to clear the roads and ensure safe travel. Throughout the snowy and icy months, drivers face numerous challenges, but some old-fashioned tricks and modern solutions can make a significant difference. In this article, we will explore the use of ashes and ice melt mixtures and how they contribute to better control and safety during winter driving.
Understanding the Use of Ashes in Winter Driving
Ashes, often recommended for their color and heat-absorbing properties, are sometimes used to help melt snow on roads. When ashes, typically from wood or coal, are applied to snow, they absorb heat from the sun, causing the snow to melt. However, the effect is not as reliable as it might seem. Once the melt water freezes again, the larger cinders from the ashes can form a rough, icy surface under the snow, making it stick up and provide some grip for tires when the sun rises. This means that while ashes can offer temporary benefits, they do not solve the overall winter driving problem effectively.
The Role of Ice Melt Mixtures
For more effective ice and snow removal, professional ice melt mixtures are widely used. These mixtures, typically containing calcium chloride or salt (sodium chloride), are designed to melt snow and ice quickly and efficiently. Calcium chloride is often considered superior to sodium chloride due to its higher efficiency in cold temperatures. This mixture not only melts snow and ice but also remains effective even when the temperature drops below freezing.
City and village road departments often use a mixture of sand and ice melt mixtures to improve traction. This combination helps to create a more stable driving surface and prevents skidding. While sand alone can provide some traction, its effectiveness diminishes when it becomes wet, leading to a loss of grip. By contrast, ice melt mixtures maintain their effectiveness even in wet conditions, making them a preferred choice in many areas.
Alternative Tricks and Their Limitations
Some people have suggested unconventional methods to improve winter driving, such as coating your hands in ashes to stay warmer or loading your vehicle with ashes to increase traction. However, these methods have several drawbacks. For instance, ashes are often messy and dirty, making them impractical to carry around while driving. Additionally, wet ashes turn into a slippery mess, which is certainly not ideal for improving road safety.
Another idea involves using ashes to make the snow act like dirt and improve traction. While this method may work in certain conditions, it is generally not practical for most drivers. Loading a vehicle with hundreds of pounds of ash is not only impractical but also a significant effort for minimal return. Therefore, it is recommended to use properly formulated ice melt mixtures and invest in winter tires for better traction and safety.
The Role of Winter Tires
In addition to ice melt mixtures, winter tires are an essential component of effective winter driving. These specialized tires are designed to provide better grip and stability in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. They have a unique tread pattern, a softer rubber compound, and strengthened tires to handle the harsh winter conditions.
Investing in a good set of winter tires is a wise choice, especially in regions like Michigan, where drivers frequently deal with heavy snowfall and icy roads. Winter tires can significantly reduce the risk of skidding and improve overall vehicle control, leading to safer and more reliable winter driving.
In conclusion, while ashes can provide a temporary heat-absorbing effect, they are not a reliable method for winter road clearance. Instead, the use of ice melt mixtures, especially calcium chloride, and investing in winter tires are the best strategies to ensure safe and efficient winter driving. By utilizing these modern and proven methods, drivers can confidently navigate the challenges of winter weather.