Ice & Snow Melts

Ice and Snow Melts

Winter hits, and suddenly, all the sidewalks, roads, and driveways have less friction than a fun-park slide. Bring out the salt, right? Not necessarily. Different kinds of salt work in different temperatures, and they sometimes don't work at all. We'll walk you through how to choose the best melt for your snowy and icy needs.

How Do Salt-Based De-Icers Work?

The very top layer of ice transitions between water and ice. Road salt begins dissolving in the water in the this top layer. It then works its way down, its molecules spreading out more with each successive layer. This breaks down the ice so that it melts or can be removed.

However, not all road salts are created equal.

Sodium Chloride Salts (NaCl)

Sodium chloride is the salt you add to French fries, soup, and any other food that needs a little more flavour. Although we don't recommend using sodium chloride road salt for your food, you can use table salt outside in a pinch if you've run out of your road salt and need to treat a small patch of ice before guests arrive.

This type of road salt is the cheapest one. However, it only works to about -9°C. The more the temperature outside drops, the less effective sodium chloride becomes. Eventually, the ice will stay frozen and you're just wasting your money.

Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)

This salt combines calcium instead of sodium with chloride. This has a strong impact on its ice-melting capabilities.

Whereas sodium chloride breaks down into two ions when it dissolves, calcium chloride breaks down into three. This extra ion means calcium chloride disrupts more ice bonds and works faster than sodium chloride.

Using calcium instead of sodium has other advantages:

• effective down to about -32°C
• generates its own heat when dissolving
• melts ice three times faster than rock salt in some conditions

However, calcium chloride salt is more expensive than sodium chloride. It can also cause a lot of corrosion and is more harmful to animals and plants.

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)

Although more expensive than sodium chloride, magnesium chloride salt is considered safer for pets and plants compared to other chloride salts. It's also less corrosive.

Magnesium chloride can melt ice between -25 °C and -15°C, depending on the source. You also need to use more of it than calcium chloride.

Potassium Chloride (KCl)

This salt is the least effective of all the chloride road salts because it only works down to about -7°C. It also takes longer to melt, but it affects the environment less.

How Does Sand Help With Ice?

Sand does not melt ice, so it serves another purpose than salt: it provides traction by embedding it into the slippery surface so wheels and soles have something to grip. Sand works in any temperature, even when salt no longer does.

Furthermore, sand doesn't corrode metal the way salt does, is cheaper than salt alternatives, and is overall better for the environment. However, if your municipality requires that you remove all snow and ice until you see a bare sidewalk, sand won't help.

Sand also has other disadvantages. It can be blown away or scattered by traffic, requires frequent reapplication, and can clog storm drains.

Which Type of De-Icer Should You Choose?

A combination of sand and salt provides the best solution: the salt helps remove the ice, and while it's working, sand provides immediate traction.

However, because each salt has different properties, use your local winter to decide. If your winter rarely dips below -10°C, choose sodium chloride or potassium chloride. For all other locations, consider having two kinds on hand: sodium chloride for a cost-effective solution, and calcium or magnesium chloride for those cold snaps or deep-freeze months.

When Should You Apply De-Icer?

Do you apply de-icer before it snows? After? During the day? When you get home from work and it's dark? Let's have a look at the best times to distribute salt.

• Major snow event expected: Wait for the snow to fall. Then shovel and de-ice. If you apply ice to a dry surface before a major snow event, you may end up with a layer of ice under the thick blanket of snow.
• Ice rain expected: Salt first. This will help prevent the ice rain from remaining ice when it hits the ground.
• Light dusting of snow expected: You can salt first here, too. However, pay attention to the temperature. For example, if you're expecting snow in -20°C, sodium chloride road salts will waste your money.
• Time of day: When possible, salt during the day, when it's usually warmer outside. If you have salt in the morning or when you get home after work, try to follow the above advice for choosing the right time.

How Should You Store De-Icer?

The biggest problem with storing de-icer is clumping from moisture. Ensure your de-icer, no matter the kind, is stored in an airtight container. Storing it indoors is ideal, but certainly not always practical, because road salts can damage floors, and sand will get into everything.

If you leave de-icer in its bag, ensure the bag is tightly closed. A container may be a better option, but gaps between the lid and body of the container can still allow moisture in.

Also store de-icer and sand in your vehicle as part of your winter emergency kit. If you get stuck and your wheels start spinning, spreading de-icer and sand in front of an behind your wheels may give you the traction you need to get out.

Do you have more questions about road salt? Our friendly staff at your local NAPA Auto Parts store will be happy to help.