For those living in colder climes, winter presents its share of driving challenges. Once upon a time, General Motors took a novel approach to improving winter traction with the Liquid Tire Chain Traction Dispenser.

The onboard system promised, at the push of a button, improved traction through chemistry. As option V75, it launched in 1969 on everything from full-size Chevrolets and sporty Chevelles to the economical and compact Chevy II. Liquid Tire Chain joined a group of other late-’60s wintery options such headlight washers, a rear-window defroster, and an engine block heater.

Old tires used to be really bad in the snow as rubber hardened a lot in the cold. You wanted hard rubber to make the tires last but soft rubber for traction. This spray both made the tires softer and stickier. Modern rubbers are more temperature consistent, and are more plyable but durable.