Car rental agencies don provide tire chains as part of the car rental package. So, if your travel includes a rental car, where does one obtain them?
Few businesses “rent” chains, so one typically needs to purchase a set for the vehicle. During snow storms, there are often “chain monkeys” installing and occasionally, selling chains alongside the highway at traffic control points that save you the bother of putting them on and removing them from your vehicle. The safest option is to purchase a set at a store. You’ll need to know the tire dimensions of your vehicle to get the proper size. The basic concept of supply and demand ensures that chains are less expensive the farther one is from where they are required. So acquiring a set in California’s San Joaquin Valley will be easier on the pocket-book than at the park entrance. It may be possible to purchase a set of chains, and return them to the merchant (especially larger retailers) if they go unused. Check with the vendor at the time of purchase for their policy.
