Driving from Reno to South Lake Tahoe in January - Rental Car??

I lived in South Lake Tahoe and Carson City for 14 years. Now, I visit my mom there and rent cars when I go. The weather in January is precarious- you just don't know what you're going to get. But, driviing through the Washoe Valley between Reno and Tahoe can get really bad- white out conditions as well as terrible wind. An SUV is your best bet. They don't provide chains, but if chain enforcements are in effect, you have to buy them and have them put on- I can't imagine that they really say you can't use chains! If the signs are on for chains, there are police at both ends of the valley and they won't let you p without them. Anyway, it's not quite as bad as it all sounds- I'm sure you'll be fine! Most of the time, all season tires suffice and all cars there have those. Have a great time- it's a beautiful area.