If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that needs help in the snow, you can put a bag or two of sand behind the rear axle. This extra weight will increase the traction of the rear wheels.

So where, exactly, is the rear axle? Draw an imaginary line between the two rear wheels. That's the location of the rear axle, which is usually towards the front of the trunk.

However, you can make things worse by putting too much weight too far back. In essence, by weighing down the rear end too much, you "lift up" the front end and lose some steering and braking abilities. We suggest you start with a 20 pound bag as far back in the car as you can get it. Then, go for a ride and see how your car steers and handles.

Whatever you do, don't put the sand in the passenger compartment. In an accident, the bags can become projectiles. And who wants to be fatally dope-slapped by a 50-pound bag of sand?

On a front-wheel-drive car, don't bother with sandbags. An enormous weight (the engine, that is) is already over the wheels that are powered. Finally, remember: If you don't have sand, you can always substitute a mother-in-law. If you can squeeze her into the trunk, all the better.