This is non bike related. We are driving to Palm Springs/Cal in March 18th/2011. Will I need to keep my snow tires on through Northern Cali on #5? I've googled N Cali weather in March and there has been shit weather in the past. We are expecting an El Nino so what's the suggestions from those who live in that region of N Cali. Thanks Or just carry easy on "chains" just in case.

living in austria i suggest winter tyres until the weather forecast is really SURE about warm weather.

Weather is hard to predict but I've driven south from Salem, Oregon and had snow all the way down I/S 5 just past Redding, CA and the roads were passable without snowtires or chains.
However my vehicle was an all wheel drive Jeep.
California sometimes requires that you carry chains in the higher elevations just in case you need them. If you have a 4 wheel drive the CHP may not require you to put them on.
Hope this helps.
Brent

Originally Posted by BMahar

...If you have a 4 wheel drive the CHP may not require you to put them on.

can you explain how the 4wd helps while emergency braking on snow?!?!

I had no option re: the 4 wheel drive as its an all wheel drive all the time and if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle the CHP sometimes doesn't require you to put chains on the vehicle. Only that you have them with you.
As to how the 4 wheel drive helps slowing/stopping the vehicle I haven't got a clue.
You'll have to ask someone with more mechanical knowledge then I.
You asked about snow tires/chains on I/S 5 and I told you my experience on that drive.
Brent

sorry, but my question was pure sarcasm
4wd gives more traction but doesn't help at all if you are too fast.
i don't know how the law and insurance is acting over there but here you have to have winter tyres from november to april if you are on a road with snow/ice/etc...

even if you have a dry road and you have summer tyres and therefor the cops leabe you be...
in case of an accident your insurance will eat your trousers if they can proove that your crash would have been avoided with (softer) winter rubber.

now compare the price of 4 new tyres to the amount of cash you owe to an insurance company in the worst case :-/

thanks Brent, I usually leave my snows on in March as it's possible to have late snow. I guess I'll wait till I get close to leaving and check the weather predictions. It would be a drag getting caught out with bad weather although rain is all I've ever faced in March during that drive from Van to P.S. I suppose it's always "better safe than sorry"