Some 2 million tonnes of salt are spread on UK roads annually, and at a cost of more than £150 million, it’s quite the maintenance job!
In accordance with the Highways Act 1980, it’s the government’s legal responsibility to keep public roads safe and clear when the worst of the winter weather strikes. Yet, those maintaining private land for work or leisure need to take their own precautions against troublesome snow and ice.
So, why is salt or ‘grit’ the go-to when clearing public and private roads? In this blog post, we answer that very question as well as explain how your 4×4 or pickup could be the key to keeping your outdoor surfaces free from snow and ice this winter.
Why do we spread salt?
Salt, or more specifically rock salt, has long been used to grit roads in the UK and elsewhere. The majority of the salt used to grit public roads is mined right here in the UK, before being processed and granulated to make loading into spreaders and subsequent distribution simple and speedy.
Contrary to popular belief however, salt doesn’t actually melt ice or snow. Here Scientific American explains more about the science behind how salt is used to make streets safer:
“The freezing point of pure water, the temperature at which it becomes ice, is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So if there’s snow, sleet or freezing rain and the ground is 32 F or colder, solid ice will form on streets and sidewalks. If the water is mixed with salt, though, the freezing temperature of the solution is lower than 32 F. The salt impedes the ability of the water molecules to form solid ice crystals.”
By lowering the freezing and melting points of water, ice and snow is able to clear more rapidly to keep outdoor surfaces as safe as they can be during bad weather.
Does applying salt harm outdoor surfaces?
Applying grit may make the roads safer, but it can have a damaging effect on the surrounding environment. Repeated and constant exposure to salt will increase the chances of corrosion, which can have a detrimental effect on your vehicle. Your 4×4 or truck’s frame, bodywork and underbody can all be damaged as a result without the right care.
Studies have also connected salt spreading to environmental harm, with nearby animal (especially amphibians like frogs and toads) and plant life impacted negatively.
When is the ideal time to spread salt?
Timing is everything when spreading salt, after all, grit does not provide instant results and needs sufficient time to work. Spread salt before snowfall is due. Through timely treatment, you can prevent ice formation to ensure safety from the very outset.
Can I use my 4×4 or truck to spread salt?
In short, yes! In fact, spreading salt is made easy with our range of Meyer Salt Spreaders. Available for a wide range of vehicle makes and models, this innovative, contractor-grade spreader attaches to your tailgate in seconds to help you prepare appropriately.
The Meyer Blaster salt spreader is already a bestseller around the globe and is widely used across a selection of environments, including industrial and retail parks, private estates, agricultural settings, car parks, schools, and highways.
More interested in upgrading your 4×4 to overcome this season’s challenges? Check out the top five autumn upgrades you should make right now.
