Though it is not yet winter, it sure seemed like this morning in Rochester, where we woke up to a few inches of the white stuff on the ground. After clearing the Volvo of snow this morning, I noticed many motorists hadn't bothered to even clear their vehicles of snow. So thus it is time, again, for "Winter Driving Tips".

Things to do before getting in your car

- Put a spare key in your pocket, so you don't get locked out of your warm vehicle.

- Make sure headlights and taillights are clear of snow. This ensures other drivers can see you and that you can see them in the event it is dark or snow starts drifting.

- Make sure grilles and intakes are clear of snow too. Believe it or not this is why you see a lot of overheated cars in the wintertime. Clogged grilles and front air spoilers mean that your engine will not be getting enough airflow to properly cool your engine. Doing this will only cost you seconds but not doing it may cost you hundreds of dollars.

- Don't forget to clear the roof and hood of your car. Doing so ensures people behind you have good visibility and won't slam into you if you suddenly stop. Though I have to admit, driving with loose snow on the hood does create a cool "warp drive" effect.

- Check tire pressure. Having properly inflated tires insures that you will have good fuel economy and somewhat consistent control of your vehicle.

- Bring your cell phone. It always comes in handy when the worst happens.

Driving on icy or snowy roads

- SLOW DOWN. With all the technological advancements that make cars easier and safer to drive, none can really do too much on icy or snowy roads if you're driving too fast. Also make sure to give the person in front of you at least three times the space you would normally give them. (Tailgaters six to eight times the space)

- Ease into your brakes, so they don't lock up. Even vehicles with ABS can lock up, so if you hear or feel your brakes pulsating gently let off the brakes allowing your vehicle to regain traction.

- Turn your lights on. You want to make sure everyone can see you.

- DO NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL. On snow-filled or icy roads this can spell disaster, as your car is trying to maintain speed instead of traction. Cruise Control will also exacerbate a skid and send you cruising right into a ditch.

- When going up a hill try not to come to a complete stop, you may get stuck. When going down a hill slow down earlier than you need to, gravity is working against your car brakes.

- Don't assume your SUV, truck, or modified car can handle all the conditions. Just because you have a Jeep Wrangler or Dummer H3 doesn't mean you should drive fast or recklessly. These vehicles' mass makes them harder to stop and their high ground clearance makes them dangerous to maneuver quickly. In short, a little speed and a snow drift will send these vehicle's rolling sideways, like nothing else.

Crap! I'm stuck

- Make sure your tailpipe is not blocked so fumes won't enter your vehicle.

- Turn off traction control. Traction control is made to stop your wheels from spinning. When you are stuck you want you wheels to spin a little bit. Leaving this on, while stuck, can make some cars' ABS systems temporarily turn off, as the car "thinks" the brakes aren't working properly.

- Turn your steering wheel all the way to left and then to the right to move snow.

- Ease on to the gas, but make sure the wheels don't spin too fast as you will dig yourself in.

- If this doesn't work, try to clear some snow from underneath the vehicle with your hands or a shovel.

- 'Rock' the vehicle. Shift the vehicle from drive to reverse easing onto the gas after you shift. Repeat this a couple times. Note that some vehicles should not be 'rocked' as it could damage the transmission, so check your owner's manual to see this is ok.

- If this doesn't work, get more help in the form of passers-by or AAA.

- Order pizza with drinks. Granted that you remembered to bring your cell phone, I have found this a great way to pass time and stay hydrated while waiting on a tow truck.