Do I need snow tire or chain to go up the snow mt.?

I got a 2020 tacoma TRD SPORT 4x4. I live close to Big Bear that have snow. Do anyone know if I need a snow chain? or snow tire? or I can just turn on my 4x4 and just drive safely?

thank you

 

The Best is four dedicated Winter Tires.

 

thank you.. but i don't want to spend the money on the snow tire because this is a lease car. Is it neccsaary to get a snow tire to go up the snow mt? or I can just use the regular stock tire?

 

Put it in 4-High and go for it!

 

That is what I'm doing.. I put it on 4 high and it was a smooth ride. I don't like the finger cross .

Lets be real. Most people who have a 4x4 do not need snow chain right? It is your choice right? and not enforced?

 

My family has a cabin in Big Bear and I’m up there monthly. All you’ll need are chains. It’s rare that we get any big snows up there. If you have 4wd all you need to do is carry chains. It is a law though that you must carry them though. I’ve driven up there in a couple of big storms and never needed more than 4Hi.

 

Once headed to Tahoe..road signs..beyond this point..snow chains required...
No harm in carrying chains in case...?
Aloha

 

So you been up there often with snow and most of the time you don't need snow chain right? just put on your 4 HI?

 

yeah the chains cost money and I don't think I"ll be using it that is the thing.. and plus this is a lease car. i don't want to spend the extra money

 

Why as the question if you won't buy tires or chains?

 

Well I have a few thoughts here. First, if you head up to Big Bear when road conditions are bad, you may be legally required to have winter rated tires or chains. If you don't want to buy new tires, buy a set of chains and be sure you know how to put them on properly.

The reason I say this is yesterday I went scouting in the mountains outside of Denver for camping spots, and I hit a part of a road that had more snow than most areas, and I got stuck, nothing I did could get me out, and I have tires with the snowflake symbol!

I have a winch, which helped me get unstuck, but my tires alone became slicks when the treads were completely filled with snow.

Long story short, buy a set of chains and keep them in the truck during the winter, that way if you run into winter conditions and travel restrictions, you should be able to get by legally and safely.

 

I have been asked to show that I have chains with me so I would say they enforce it, but only during R2 conditions. It is a law which is enforced; I’ve seen people turned around at check-points for not having chains and my neighbor up there tells stories of stuck drivers being cited for not having chains when they get stuck.

Personally I have set of chains for three of my trucks. I think the last set I bought was $60. Why risk it?

 

so true.. what is another $80 for a tire chain . just to be safe than sorry

 

You don't need chains, I go up there all the time, r1, r2, r3 and not once was i asked for chains at the road block. Obviously if the conditions are really sketchy it's a good idea to have them. I run wildpeaks and ko2s on my rigs which both have the snow flake

 

thank you.. will get one just in case for emergency.

 

are those snow tire you got on? or regular stock tire?

 

The problem is he doesn't want to buy snow rated tires for a leased vehicle, so he needs chains.

 

Good plan. Not worth the risk or a ticket.

 

CalTrans Chain Control Guidelines
https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls

 

Ah reading comprehensive fail on my end