why do they put salt on the roads after it snows?

Answer 1

Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water. That makes it harder for it to freeze. If it gets cold enough, it will freeze anyway. Parts of the ocean are colder than 32 deg Fahrenheit, but they don't turn to ice. Thats because of the salt in the water. But there is sea ice where it's even colder (the Arctic for example).

Answer 2

Where I live they salt the roads while it snows then usually wait to clear them until traffic is slow. The reason they put the salt down and make the road slushy is so the traffic doesn't pack the snow to the surface of the road. Even the large plow trucks can not keep enough force on the blade to scrape up the snow and ice off the road after it has been packed to the road. If you have ever been down a road that has been packed before they plow it is like driving down a wash board.

Answer 3

The salt helps melt the ice. Some townships use sand as well however salt typically works quicker for removing ice... remember to clean your vehicle after a long winter drive to remove excess salt build up - it can and does damage your car.

Answer 4

the general idea is that a salt sand mix will provide traction (sand) and the salt melts the snow and ice alowing it to drain somewhat off the roadway before it refreezes.

Answer 5

To melt the ice. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, so if the temperature is not too far below freezing, the ice will melt.

Answer 6

to melt the snow and help tires get traction on ice.

It just snowed and they just put salt down, thank God!!!!

It sucks to drive without salt on icy roads :(

Answer 7

To melt snow and ice there is also the added benfit of traction

Answer 8

it gets rid of snow and gives you traction so you dont slide off the road

Answer 9

so the snow will melt and keep the traffic flowing at a safe & constant speed.

Answer 10

to help melt the snow