There are few things that can cause a driver to feel more helpless than to get stuck in snow or ice. The feeling can be even more intense if it is at night and the road you are on isn't a well-traveled one. However, if you keep your head and don't give in to the fear and frustration, many times you can work yourself free.
There are some things you should do, and some things you shouldn't do. For instance, applying too much power to the drive wheels can cause them to do nothing but spin, which can make matters worse. Instead, apply steady light power.
If you are at a complete stop, having your front wheels turned isn't a good idea, even for a front wheel drive. This increases the amount of power needed to get going again, since the car is forced to move at an angle. Once the car starts moving, gently turning the wheel can get you going the way you want to go with a lot less effort and sliding.
Rocking the car back and forth, forward and reverse, can help if the reason for being stuck is piled snow or ice in front of and behind the tires. Patience is the key here. It can take quite a bit of rocking before the car is free.
Letting a little air out of the tires can also greatly increase your traction and get you out of a stuck situation. Do keep in mind however that under inflated tires cause the vehicle to burn more gas; they also wear out faster, so you will want to air them back up when you are able to.
If you have someone with you and the car is sliding, try having him or her put weight over the drive wheels. This increases traction and can get you out of a harrowing predicament.
The biggest dos and don'ts are usually the ones most often neglected. Primarily these have to do with carrying some form of snow shovel when traveling in snow and ice. Even a garden spade is better than nothing at all if you find yourself needing to dig yourself out. A collapsible shovel takes up little space and doesn't weigh much, but they can be a blessing if you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm.
Having material you can put under the tires to increase traction can also be very helpful. Many people carry sand, which also helps by increasing weight in the vehicle. Clay style dry cat litter is even better. A few handfuls in front of and behind all four tires can often get you right out of being stuck. The litter is also natural, so it is environmentally friendly. This may not be a huge concern when you are stuck, but knowing this when you are preparing is a boon.
Keeping calm when you get stuck in the snow and ice is a huge help, and having some notion of how to get unstuck is too. Some preparation is helpful as well. Between these, you need never wonder what to do when you get stuck. You are well on your way to getting free.