Do I need chains if driving to Lake Tahoe next week?

Question

I just checked the weather forecast. The day I am going next week will have few snow showers, and the day before that will be snowing. With the two days of snowing, do you think I definite need snow chains? I have a 2005 Acura TL, and do you think this car is good enough going up on the mountain road with snow?

Some of my friends recommend me to rent a SUV. I just called one of the rentals and they don’t recommend to put snow chains on their cars and said something like I am fully responsible for any damage to the tires or car if cause by the chains.

My debates are:

1) If I don’t need snow chains going up the mountain, I will probably rent a SUV.

2) If snow chains are required while going to Lake Tahoe next week, will my TL be okay?

3) Or rent a SUV and if I required putting the snow chains, just take my chances and hope the chains won’t damage the car? (I know it may be a dumb thinking but I’ve never used snow chains before, so I don’t really know what they would do to cars).

Thank you in advance for those who answered my questions.

Answer 1

Why not rent a snow-cat and forget about it.

Answer 2

Don't talk to the rental car company. They will tell you to do nothing with there cars at risk of you breaking them. only get a suv if it is 4 wheel drive otherwise your current car is good enough. I don't think chains will hurt your car, as long as you put them on right. Its your money do what ever you want with the rental cars.

Answer 3

It has been several years since I have been in that area, but I do remember that Cal Trans does require chains be carried and can enforce their use. A front wheel drive car should be fine as long as you drive sensibly. Good luck and have fun.

Answer 4

Right now, all the roads leading to and from Lake Tahoe are clear and dry, but conditions can change in a hurry without much  notice.  

Unless you are experienced and proficient at driving a 4-wheel drive SUV, you would probably be better off driving your Acura.  Check the sidewall markings on your car's tires.  If they have the notation M/S or M&S or the outline of a little mountain on the sidewall, then they are mud & snow rated tires, and you would be legal on I-80 and around Tahoe when snow tires are required.  Your front-wheel drive Acura should do OK with this kind of tire as long as it has serviceable tread depth (1/4 inch or better).

For extra insurance, buy a set of tire chains for the front wheels of your car, and have someone show you the proper way to install them. You may never need to use them, but they are nice to have in any case.

A third option, if you plan on travelling to Tahoe on a regular basis is to have your car fitted with studded snow tires for the winter.  They are not all that expensive, and will eliminate the need for chains for about the same cost as a weekend rental of a full-sized SUV!

Answer 5

If your car is a stick, it's fine, If not get some snow tire.

Answer 6

Good Thinking...."BUT" ..."U"....have 2 concider:

#1. Do "NOT" use chains 2 seep-up..."U" have 2 drive slow in snow-rain-icy weather. There r something made of hard plastic fiber 4 small cars & they "MUST" fit the tires, 2 large & they will damage u'r car, 2 tight will damage the tires.

#2. This is u'r car or a leased?

#3. SUV or not....the grouves on the tires will lill-up w/snow & ice anyway....so u need chains

#4. Buy a set & keep it in the car; it is good 4 mudd also.