FinaLpeace

Hey guys, I'm planning on driving from SF to South Lake Tahoe during Christmas time.

I have never driven to South Lake Tahoe during this time of the year. I did some research online, but not all the answers are there.

For those of you who are experienced with traveling to South Lake Tahoe during the winter, is it safe and possible to drive my IS350 RWD there without bringing any snow chains?

I checked the routes on Google map and it seems like I'm going to be using US-50 all the way until a merging point with SR-89 then reaching Lake Tahoe Blvd.

I've also checked on Caltrans road condition, but I'm still unsure what would and can actually happen.

I have a feeling the road conditions there shouldn't be that bad, but driving a RWD car with 300 horsepower and 280 lb ft of torque sounds a bit too sporty for a snow trip.

I have actually experienced a bit of sliding my rear wheels even in stormy weathers of SF. I don't know if its a general problem with RWD or is there a problem with my IS350.

Well back to the question because I would really love to drive to South Lake Tahoe, do you guys think it's possible to do this trip with the IS?

Machine13

Yes, you should be fine, the roads that get snow should be winterized (salted) and immediately plowed after a snow storm. Theres a fair bit of traffic to/from tahoe in the winter due to all its ski and gambling resorts so the roads are usually in good shape. We traveled in a 2006 IS 250 RWD and stayed on paved roads the whole time. I went there twice for a couple weekends of snowboarding. Leaving from San Fran, the drive was awsome once you get into the windy mountain roads.

NVMarkus

iTrader: (2)

I live in Reno, most of the time you should be fine to make the drive, but if there happens to be a large storm, US 50 can close, and or be chains or snow tires required. There will be checkpoints and they will turn you around if you don't have chains on.
If there isn't snow controls you will be fine... It's a risk and it all depends on the day you are driving

JDR76

Are you on summer tires or all seasons?

Akrkwk

Just remember to put some tape over bumpers and other area where gets wet the most Those chemicals used to winterize the snow can deteriorate your paint And also when you come home from the trip Wash underneath of ur car thoroughly

kamauxx

I drove my 500 hp GTO on summer tires from New York City to Kansas City in January of 2008. I had to drive through quite a bit of snow and ice and didn't die or wreck.

Just be cautious and stay on the plowed roads.

FinaLpeace

Thank you all for your replies. I am more afraid of the Highway Patrol turning me back for not preparing for chain controls and etc.

I know it all depends on the weather, so hopefully the weather during my reserved visiting dates are good......

Those Audi S4 owners must be lucky to have a sporty and snow proof car haha :P

NVMarkus

iTrader: (2)

The AWD 350 works too

Thunderwuf

You can leave a set of chains in the trunk and return them if not used. Make sure you wash your car asap to get rid of the chemicals.

FinaLpeace

The AWD IS350 doesn't have the 8 speed transmission

Also would you guys consider putting snow chains on the IS350?

Wouldn't doing so damage the rims and etc?

I heard snow chains might not even fit into some wheels and cars.

AndyL

Depending on the regulations, some regions of the same country do not allow snow chain. For example, I have never seen snow chains in the Ontario/Canada as it is banned.

https://ca.answers.yahoo.com/questio...0091331AAx0aCZ

Besides, as your IS350 is RWD, I would strongly suggest going for winter tires on a trip that involves snow. All-seaon tires with RWD cars is a bad combo for snowy weather. Unless there is just wet snow or maybe you could still be okay.