With all of today's traction control and stability control systems, and front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive vehicles, it can be a bit confusing when trying to decide the value of snow tires. Following is an easy-to-read break down of 10 rules.

Rule 1: no matter what traction electronics a vehicle has, in the snow, it boils down to rubber-meets-the-road-traction

Rule 2: traction comes from your tires gripping the road. No grip, no traction. Traction is important not just for stability, but steering, braking, and propulsion.  It's critical!

Rule 3: some all-season tires are adequate in the snow, many are not. Various tires that are "rated" all-season have sport tire attributes, and are inadequate in the snow-even dangerous. SUVs with sport tires or DUBS run into this scenario often

Rule 4: the best all-season tire is not better in the snow than a premium snow tire

Rule 5: all season tires can stiffen in cold weather-stiff tires, less traction

Rule 6: snow tires really do make a noticeable difference

Rule 7: replace all four to maximize safety. Replacing only two encourages unequal traction, which leads to loss of control

Rule 8: snow tires will feel/ride differently, but nothing like the days of knobby, studded-snow tires. Tire technology has come a long way, and there are many snow tires on the market that ride beautifully

Rule 9: consider a rim and tire package. It makes swapping to your snows a breeze

Rule 10: you don't have to use snow tires. In a safe area, try driving on your regular tires in the snow. If you're all over the road, get some snows. If your car feels fine, great. Save your money!