What Can You Use for Traction on an Icy Driveway?

Electric Mat

• Homes built in areas such as the Rocky Mountains frequently use electric radiant heating systems on rooftops and under pavements in driveways to melt snow and ice. A more portable option, known as an electric mat, is laid on top of snow on walkways and driveways.

Glycol-Based Ice Melt

• Glycol-based ice melt pellets melt snow and ice and improve traction in the driveway. Blended from carbamide and propylene glycol, the glycol-based products are nontoxic, don't burn the pads of dogs and cats and are noncorrosive to metal. Because of glycol's lubricating quality, it forms a thin layer on driveways that prevents ice and snow from sticking.

Birdseed

• Birdseed is a nontoxic alternative to ice melt. It embeds in ice and snow and offers extra grip for your tires on icy mornings. Although it's a bit messy, much of it is eaten by foraging squirrels, chipmunks and birds before winter's end.

Gravel

• Fine gardening gravel, the variety used in flower beds, embeds in snow and ice and improves traction. Choose the variety with smooth, smaller pebbles that won't stick inside your car's tire treads. Once the snow melts, you can sweep up garden gravel and reuse it for the driveway or as decorative gravel for the garden.