Do I need chains if I have snow tires?

Question

I am going to lake Tahoe and was wondering if I rent a van with snow tires will I still need chains? Please answer!

Answer 1

Hi! You might need chains anyway I am afraid. If the weather goes mild then cold again, you might be driving on pure ice/water on ice, and even if snow tires might help you some, you can not beat chains. As I am a Norwegian, I have been driving on snow/ice/and every thing you can think of every year for about 30 years now, and chains are not often used, But if you are stuck, nothing can get you back on track better than chains. My advise is yes! just to be sure! Good luck, peace and love from Norway

Answer 2

Some roads in that area by law require you to carry chains even if it is not snowing during the winter season.

Answer 3

Here's the facts:

Caltrans enforces different levels of chain requirements.  Sometimes (though rarely) they only require snow or studded tires.  Usually when Caltrans post chain requirements the requirements will be chains (or really cables) are required on your drive tires only unless you have snow tires on a four wheel drive vehicle.  

What this means is that if chain requirements are posted, you can get away without chains if you have a four wheel drive vehicles with snow tires.

Unless your van is 4wd, you will need chains if Caltrans posts chain equirements.

Answer 4

Yes, you should always carry chains in snowy/icy areas unless you have studded tires.  Snow tires give you better traction on icy surfaces than a summer tire, but you will still most likely lose control and/or get stuck on an icy surface with just snow tires.

Answer 5

no

Answer 6

I don't think you will need chains if you have all weather or winter tires and front wheel drive. If you do one pair is all you need. 4 chains would shake your car to pieces.