A composition for deicing or for the preparation of a heat transfer fluid is provided. The composition comprises a mixture of at least two carboxylic acid salts having a t/c ratio of 2 or lower, including a dicarboxylic salt and a monocarboxylic salt, said dicarboxylic salt being present in the mixture in an amount of at least 50 wt % of the weight of the mixture, on a dry basis. More particularly, said mixture is including a succinate and a formate, wherein the succinate is in an amount of at least 50 wt %, on a dry basis. Also provided is a method for deicing a surface or preventing the accumulation of ice, snow or a mixture thereof on a surface, comprising a step of applying on a surface covered by ice, snow or a mixture thereof, or susceptible of being covered by ice, snow or a mixture thereof, the above composition. The composition is also useful for the preparation of a heat transfer fluid coolant to be used in a heat transfer system comprising a heat transfer fluid provided with a cooling system.