A pretreatment can be made prior to a storm, as long as the storm does not start out with above freezing temperatures and rain, washing the chemical away.

Benefits from liquid pretreatments can include higher friction and better pavement conditions early in a storm. These benefits are generally short-lived and should not be expected over a long period. Subsequent chemical applications should be made as soon as conditions begin to deteriorate. Pretreatments can be thought of as "buying time" in the early stages of a storm until subsequent chemical applications become effective.