1. Studded snow tires/walnut shell retreads, preferably studder.
2. Sand bags in back of trunk, over rear axle. 225 pounds should do it. 3 bags of traction sand, +or- a bag.
3. Shovel. I have never gotten stuck when I've had the shovel in the back. Small one, like army pick/shovel fold-away combo.
4. Chains or cables. Cables are for ice and decent paved roads. Chains are for more deep snow, and worse roads. You can use either one whenever, though.
5. Gloves, hat, blanket. Wool blanket, preferably. If you do get stuck in the snow, your car isn't insulated, and you'll freeze if you have to stay in it overnight.
6. Starting out, use third gear. You should have enough power to move forward, but not enough to spin the tires, resulting in perfect traction. 2nd gear is okay, but has a lot of torque, and will make you slip.
7. Practice stopping in an icy parking lot. You'll have to learn to stay 3 or more car lengths away, unless you want some jerky hitting you from behind, and into the car in front of you, damaging the more important front end.
The reason I feel qualified is because I've driven through 6 seasons of ice and snow in Idaho and Flagstaff, and ran the tractor and 4 wheeler every year since I was 11. Every year I drive up to Idaho, from Flag, to go home for Christmas.
Every year, I yank people out of ditches, and out of parking lots with my 2wd truck. It's hilarious. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> "I don't think you'll be able to pull me out." "Yeah, shut up and get in your car." YAAAAAAANKKKK! Oh look, you're free!