I'm going to Lake Tahoe on Jan 14th I got a few questions?

Question

Well this is my first time driving to a place that might have snow...so I'm kinda worry. I'm driving there from LA with a Scion XA...

Here are some questions that I want to know

1) Will I need chain (Jan 14th)?

2) Is the chain cheaper if I buy it myself?

3) What's the average cost of the chain?

4) Is it easy to install the chain?

5) Is there anything I should do before I drive my XA there?

6) I'm staying at Harrah's Lake Tahoe is it a nice place to stay?

7) When will be the best time for me to start heading there (frm LA)

whoooo

a lot of questions

thank you!

Oh! One more question

I'm staying at lake tahoe area for two night

Is it too much

should I spend a night at Reno?

Answer 1

If you're heading to Tahoe, always take your own chains. If you have to buy them going through the pass, it'll be a lot more expensive. I know plenty of people who can put them on themselves, but I don't think I could do it since I've never had to do it. There are people to help you though. Take your standard winter kit with extra oil, coolant, and wiper fluid, and a scraper.

I can't speak for the entertainment aside from the fact about everyone I know heads up there on the weekends, so it shouldn't be too much trouble.

Answer 2

California DOT requires chains or a vehicle with 4 wheel-drive in order to drive in the Tahoe area during the winter season. Here's the answers to the rest of your questions:

1) Check the Highway tables on the California DOT website for the road conditions. Here's the link:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/hwytables.htm

2 & 3)Chains cost approximately $40-$50 and most can be customized to fit various tires sizes. Renting the chains costs about $35.

4) Installing the chains can be done alone, but is much easier to do with two people. Here's a link for the instructions:
http://tirechain.com/tire_chainmounting_instructions.htm

5) Make sure your vehicle is prepped for driving in the snow - make sure your tires, wipers, window defroster, heater, etc. are in good working condition.

6) Harrah's is at stateline and is withing walking distance of all the other casino's. Check out the restaurant buffet on the top floor!

7) Leave as early in the morning as possible to ensure that you arrive in Tahoe before dark.

A good place to stay in Reno is the Silver Legacy. Here's the link:
http://www.silverlegacyreno.com/index_noflash.aspx

Other good places to stay include Circus Circus and El Dorado. Here's the links:
http://www.circusreno.com/
http://www.eldoradoreno.com/