We spent 28 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top options for this wiki. If you’ve ever got your vehicle stuck in snow, mud, or sand, you probably know that calling a tow truck to pull it out is not only expensive, but also time-consuming. But with a set of these tire traction mats, you can skip both the wait and the bill. They provide just the right amount of friction for your wheels to grab hold, so you’ll be back on the road in no time. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
10. Portable Tow Truck Grip Aids
Avoid pushing, shoveling, or calling for help with the Portable Tow Truck Grip Aids, which are much easier to use than chains, and a whole lot cheaper than roadside assistance. However, some users note that the spikes tend to wear down with use.
- Pair weighs only five pounds
- Thin design can be stored under seat
- Not great in loose snow
| Brand | Portable Tow Truck Grip |
|---|---|
| Model | PBT Orange |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
9. Mr. Emergency Snow n Mud
The Mr. Emergency Snow n Mud folds in half to fit into the included nylon tote, which takes up less than half a cubic foot in your trunk or backseat. It works well in both hot and cold climates, and can withstand temperatures as low as -20? F.
- Molded grip design
- Easy to wash with a garden hose
- Price is for only one piece
| Brand | Mr. Emergency |
|---|---|
| Model | ES428 |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
8. Subzero GripTrax
Designed to withstand cold climates, the Subzero GripTrax sport teeth on their undersides that dig into snow and mud. They’re lightweight and compact enough to store in your trunk, so you’ll always have them on hand in case of emergencies.
- Budget-friendly price
- Easy-to-spot vibrant yellow color
- Smaller than most other options
| Brand | Subzero |
|---|---|
| Model | 12501 |
| Weight | 13.1 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
7. WawaAuto Foldable
The WawaAuto Foldable are hinged, allowing you to adjust the angle of each segment, so you can mold them to the terrain beneath your vehicle. They’re super lightweight, weighing just one pound apiece, making them easy to carry with you anywhere.
- Honeycomb edges for better grip
- Can bear up to three-and-a-half tons
- Too narrow for wider wheels
| Brand | WawaAuto |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
6. Sunpie Vehicle Extraction
The super tough Sunpie Vehicle Extraction boards are made of durable polypropylene that can handle a load of up to 10 tons. They’re easy to clean and made of a UV-resistant material, so their vibrant color won’t fade over time.
- Resistant to corrosion
- Day-glo orange for visibility
- Similar to more expensive models
| Brand | SUNPIE |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 13.5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5.0 |
5. Jumbl All-Weather
The Jumbl All-Weather are made of heavy-duty plastic that can handle most cars, pickups, and small cargo trucks. Their segmented design allows them to fold up compactly for storage, so they won’t take up much space in your trunk.
- 45 inches in length
- Cold- and break-resistant
- Handy carrying pouch included
| Brand | Jumbl |
|---|---|
| Model | CS-004 |
| Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Rating | 4.9 / 5.0 |
4. Offroad Boar
The Offroad Boar are made of heavy-duty reinforced nylon for stability, and they boast built-in handles for easy portability. Plus, their tapered design allows you to turn them over and use them like shovels to remove excess debris from around your wheels.
- 10-ton load capacity
- Available in five colors
- One-year factory warranty
| Brand | OFFROAD BOAR |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 14.3 pounds |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 |
3. X-Bull Track Ladder
The X-Bull Track Ladder boast raised tracks to keep your wheels from spinning, and they come with a convenient zippered tote bag for storage and carrying. Plus, at less than $100, they are considerably cheaper than many comparable options.
- Extra-deep treads
- Uv-stabilized to prevent fading
- Small shovel included
| Brand | X-BULL |
|---|---|
| Model | EE900/EE900-B-FBA/EB011 |
| Weight | 14.8 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
2. Maxsa Innovations Escaper Buddy
The Maxsa Innovations Escaper Buddy can either be used separately or connected to make one extra-long pad if only one of your wheels is stuck. Plus, their bright orange color makes them easy to spot when you’re finished using them.
- Durable polypropylene construction
- Easy to snap together
- Large enough for most trucks
| Brand | Maxsa Innovations |
|---|---|
| Model | 20334 |
| Weight | 19.8 pounds |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
1. Maxtrax Vehicle Recovery
Constructed of sturdy, engineering-grade reinforced nylon, the Maxtrax Vehicle Recovery are both tough and flexible. They come with a pair of bright orange leashes that help you to find them if they get buried in sand or mud.
- Choose from twelve colors
- Built-in handles for easy removal
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
| Brand | Maxtrax |
|---|---|
| Model | MKII |
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |