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Some very good advice here. Just a follow-up on the issue of electronic control systems.
I have ABS, and like it. It means braking on ice is a no-brainer. Just stomp the pedal. Howwever, when at full threshold braking on ice, even with ABS, you have little or no tractiona available for lateral movement. If you need an abrupt direction change, you have to go against your reflexes and release the brakes, steer, and then jump back on the binders.
ABS does not increase the traction available to your tires. It maximizes the use of what is there. Lousy and tires and ABS still mean long braking distances. If you're coming from a warm climate and driving on some snow, then returning to your warm climate, it might not make sense to buy snow tires. However, make sure the tires you do have will not be completely useless. Low profile high-speed rated tires are useless in snow. Not because of tread-depth, but becasue their compunds are designed to shed heat like crazy. They freeze rock hard as temps fall. Think of them as hockey-pucks!
ASR/ESP can assist a driver than might have wandered beyond the envelope of their own ability by a small margin, but they do not repeal the laws of physics. Overcook the corner, and it's over-cooked. They are like ABS in that cannot create traction where there is none.
Make sure you fill your car's gas tank when you get to snow land. Most oil companies produce different gasoline and diesel for different climates. Get some in the tank as soon as possible. Also, don't forget windscreen washer fluid that is rated for below freezing temps. NOT ANTI-FREEZE. It's washer fluid with an alcohol of some form to keep it from freezing.
Smooth is the key to keeping the shiny side up. Don't jerk the wheel, jam the brake pedal (unless panic stopping, then do) or snap the accelerator open. All your movements should be designed to not upset the stability of the vehicle.
Following distances should be at least double the normal, or even longer. Don't forget that most people that live in the snow belts drive like morons and maniacs just like eveywhere else. They're going to tailgate you, drive aggressively and cut you off. If you're being tailgated, make sure you leave even more room in front of you so that you don't end up with another car inside your trunk. People will curse you, but you arrive unscathed. Thick skin is required for safe winter driving in a city.
If you're going on the highway, buy an inexpensive winter safety kit. It's got some stuff like emergency blankets, candles, etc. I see them all the time for about $40. Worth it. Also, do you have AAA? They usually have road condition info available in snow-bound areas. Sometimes you just stay home.
Have a good trip.
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