Do you need tire chains to go to Big Bear?

I know this may sound like a stupid question for those who drove up there before, but this would be our first trip up there and last thing I want to do is be stranded on a hill waiting for AAA.

Anyhow, are tire chains required for traveling from Los Angeles to Big Bear? If so, anyone got any idea where we can get them fairly inexpensive for 15" tires?

With that, do you even recommend driving a 2001 Civic up those hills?

The only time it is "required" is when the weather conditions are such that, either snow is sticking to the road surface, or, if the weather is merely threatening to snow.

The California Department of Transportation may set up check points during times that they determine that chains must be carried. They WILL turn you back at these checkpoints if you don't have them in the car. If it is already snowing hard enough, they will require you to install the chains or they will not permit you to procede.

Especially during the Fall and Winter seasons, where the weather can rapidly change, it is a good idea to carry chains, and, learn how to install them yourself. Sometimes the weather changes so fast, that you can be stranded on a snowy, icy road before the chain installers have been called in.

I recall one time that I was in Reno in JUNE when there was a snowfall over Donner Pass. At the time, it was just a light dusting and chains were not called for, but, ever since that time, I have always had chains in whatever car we owned. We go up to Reno or Lake Tahoe about a half dozen time a year. Sometimes we've had to chain up when all the traffic ground to a halt because of the weather.

If your Civic is in decent condition, you should have not problems. The roads to most of the major ski resorts are pretty well maintained. But, during a snowstorm, I wouldn't recommend the trip unless the car was well maintained, and, without ANY noticible problems. Little problems tend to become MAJOR problems during inclement weather.

California does have chain laws & if the overhead highway sign is broadcasting that all vehicles must chain up, & you are caught without chains installed, you could face a fine.

I used to drive semi's and going across I-80 through Donner's Pass, I would see that sign a lot during the winter.

I'm not sure what the fine would be for a passenger car, but California's fine for semi's not chained up is very, very expensive.

It is also wise to have them & not need them, than to need them & not have them.

Somewhere like that you should definitely carry chains. A lot of side roads and driveways never get plowed, and it often snows unexpectedly.

Buy them and if you don't use them, return them to the store. Check first I know many stores let you do that.

Where to buy them...any auto parts store.

You need to check out traffic conditions cuz sometimes you do need chains. Your Honda will make it. See if 511 from your cell gives you driving conditions.

yes you do.