More recent snowmelters use other salts, such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, which not only decrease the freezing point of water to a much lower temperature but also produce an exothermic reaction, whose dissipated heat further aids in melting. It also has a strong tendency to cause corrosion, rusting the steel used in most vehicles and the rebar in concrete bridges. However, brine freezes at −18 ☌ (0 ☏), and so it is ineffective at these low temperatures.

Rock salt is normally used because it is inexpensive and readily available in large quantities. The de-icing of roads has historically been accomplished by snowplows or specially designed dump trucks that spread salt, often mixed with sand and gravel, onto slick roads. When properly performed, anti-icing can significantly reduce the amount of salt required and allow easier removal by mechanical methods, including plowing. Brine, or wetted salt, is usually applied shortly before the beginning of a snowstorm. Anti-icing is treatment with ice-melting chemicals before or during the onset of a storm in order to prevent or delay the formation and adhesion of ice and snow to the surface. It includes both mechanical means, such as plowing, vacuuming or scraping, and chemical means, such as application of salt or other ice-melting chemicals. De-icing is defined as removal of existing snow, ice or frost from a roadway, airport runway, roof, or other surface.

Brush snow removal