Snow days are ahead, which means it’s time to start preparing for slippery driveways, walkways, and other high-traffic areas. This month, we’re weighing the pros and cons of using salt and sand to combat ice and snow this winter. But in addition to driveways and roads, we also know winter isn’t always forgiving to our vehicles. So in the meantime, when you need a Nashua car repair shop, you can rely on Durabild to get the job done!
Rock Salt
Rock salt can melt ice because it lowers the freezing point of water. Because of this, it also helps stop ice from developing and melts ice that has already been formed. Another plus side of rock salt is that it can provide extra traction since it’s abrasive. So this makes it the perfect item to use for times when your vehicle has difficulty getting out of areas with ice and snow.
Though using rock salt has its benefits, there can be some cons. Using it over time on things like paving stones, concrete driveways, and parking lots can cause damage and erosion. Salt also can form a brine when mixed with water. When this happens, it’s likely that this brine can cause damage to the outside of your car.
Sand
Using sand is excellent for several reasons. Compared to salt, it’s not abrasive, so it won’t harm any paving stones or concrete driveways, parking lots, and walkways. You also don’t have to worry about sand killing grass or plants because it doesn’t form a brine when mixed with water. Sand also lasts longer than rock salt because it doesn’t dissolve. This means you won’t have to constantly apply sand to a specific surface unless the weather conditions call for it!
Since sand doesn’t dissolve, this can create some draining issues because it will clog the drains if there’s too much. So it’s important to clean out any vital areas with excess sand come springtime. It also can be quite messy if there’s an excessive amount of sand because it can get stuck on your shoes and track inside. Having a mat to wipe your shoes before going indoors is essential to help with this issue!
Is Salt or Sand Better for You?
When you’re deciding between using salt or sand, it really comes down to preference. But if you do need to melt snow or ice quickly and need extra traction for your vehicle, salt is your best option. It’s important to note that these aren’t the only solutions for ice and snow maintenance, just the most common! Some other alternatives you can check out are calcium magnesium acetate, potassium chloride, and nitrogen-based products.
Need a Nashua Car Repair Shop? Choose Durabild!
At this Nashua car repair shop, you can rely on our team of professionals to service your car with care and precision. You can view a list of services we offer online, along with our contact page! We’re open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Until then, we look forward to getting you safely back on the road!