DENVER -- Now that the snow and ice are in Colorado, tire shops across town are slammed. A lot of people are replacing their worn out tires, while others are putting on new snow tires.

But are snow tires really necessary in Colorado?

A simple rule of thumb, according to Consumer Reports, is if you have a job where you can call in and say, "I'm not coming in, it's snowing," all season tires are great. But if you need to be someplace, you might want to consider winter tires.

All day Thursday, many drivers across the metro area found themselves struggling to get out and spinning their wheels on the side of the road. But some drivers were prepared.

"I want to be safe on the roads and I know with snow tires, that is definitely going to help me," said Laif Haugen, a Norwegian studying at the University of Denver.

Haugen drives a Porsche Cayenne and said snow tires on a high-performance car are a necessity.

"I have always had snow tires, so it is something I am used to," said Haugen.

But what if you're the typical driver? Do you need them?

"In general, winter tires are better in Colorado than a seasonal (tire)," said Larry Bobian, of Swis Tire and Automotive Service.

Bobian said snow tires are made with a different type of rubber compound than seasonal tires so they remain flexible in extremely cold temperatures. They also have a big tread, which bites and grips the snow or ice. Drivers can also add studs.

"If you put the studs in, the studs actually break the ice and grab it and pull your car," said Bobian.

On average, Colorado gets 250 days of sunshine a year. 7NEWS Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson said in the 2008-2009 winter season there were about 20 days when a driver would have needed snow tires in the metro area.

That's why Ichi Collins said he does not use snow tires.

"If you know how to drive in the snow and are cautious, (you're fine)," said Collins. "Just don't be an idiot. Pay attention to what you are doing and you will be fine."

So are snow tires worth it? That is up to you to decide. Bobian said no matter what type of tire a person decides to put on his or her car, they need to make sure the tread is good.