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Kitty litter often makes an appearance in lists for auto emergency kits or winter
safety tips – but why is this strange “tool” so popular? What is it for? Does it really work?

Here, we address three “myths” about cat litter to help you stay safe on slick
winter roads in Rochester, NY. Before you find yourself stuck (without cat litter),
make sure your car can handle winter conditions – call our team at 585­242­2360.

Myth #1 – Cat litter provides
Traction
TRUE! If your vehicle gets stuck in a
snow bank or on a slick road, cat
litter can help create the traction you
need to get out. Pour a little around
your tires to give them something to
grip as you navigate onto the road.
The non­clumping kind works best for extra traction on slick roads.

Myth #2 – Cat Litter Weighs Down your Car
TRUE! As cat owners know, bags of cat litter are heavy. When you’re not stuck in
the snow, the weight of cat litter in your trunk can also help improve traction by
adding weight to the back end of your vehicle. Especially in trucks and cars that
are front heavy, a little extra weight in the rear of your vehicle can help stabilize
you, keeping you in control of your vehicle on slick roads.

Myth #3 – Cat litter is an
alternative to “Ice Melt”
FALSE! Cat litter does NOT act as an
“ice melt” for your driveway. While it
will provide traction for vehicles and
pedestrians on ice, it will not speed
up melting of the ice (the way salt ice
melt does – salt lowers the freezing point of water to help it melt faster). In fact, as
the ice starts to melt, the kitty litter may absorb the moisture, leaving you with
slippery, wet clay to sweep away.

Drive safely on the winter roads across Rochester this season. Don’t forget to
pick up some cat litter for your winter auto emergency kit – store a bag in your
trunk for weigh and traction on slick roads. To make sure your vehicle is prepared
for winter road conditions, schedule an appointment or call 585­242­2360.