Best Tire Traction Mats: Add Additional Traction To Your Vehicle

Your tires' tread might not stand up to mud, snow, sand, ice, or grass, even if they sport the most aggressive treads. Sometimes all it takes is a little added grip on the ground, which you can do with one of the best tire traction mats on the market.

In our search for the best and most effective tire traction mats, we utilized some lengthy research as well as our own staff's experience. There are a lot of options out there, and from a bunch of different brands. Some have great features and user support, others not so much. It was easy coming up with our best overall, as our own Managing Editor Jonathon Klein, has used them extensively. We weighed features with price, review, and experience, and came up with this quick and handy guide. For more on how we come up with our lists of products, have a look here.

When overlanding or off-roading, it is wise to be prepared for the times when your car will get stuck, because it will. Having the best traction mats ensures you get back on the road in less time. Maxsa Innovations, which is based in Australia, gives a lifetime warranty for its two tire traction mats because they are built to last.

The traction mats are easy to use, lightweight, and can be easily carried by any four-wheel vehicle. They provide a quick solution if your vehicle gets stuck. They feature cleats which sink their teeth into the tire tread to prevent the tires from slipping back into the sand, snow, or mud. 

The mats are made of UV-stabilized, reinforced nylon and can wrap around a 33-inch tire without breaking. However, their biggest downside is that they are expensive and many people won’t be able to afford them. The nubs melt in the sun or when your tires spin on them too fast.

If you're in the market for effectiveness at a great price, check out BASHIK's folding traction mats. They are some of the most affordable traction mats on the market and come in a set of two. The tire traction mats are constructed using tough polypropylene. Their treads are strong and stable enough to withstand regular use in ice, sand, snow, and mud.

The tire traction mats have a foldable design and can be easily stored in a car trunk or under a seat. They work with all types of vehicles and you can also place them behind wheels to prevent tire slippage. You’ll love the fact that they are easy to clean. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth or spray them off with a hose.

However, as good as these tire traction mats are, don't use them if you own a truck or a heavy car; they will be ineffective. The plastic used to make them is not of the highest quality and they may break the first time you use them.

A set of traction mats should be part of your kit, even if you rarely indulge in off-road driving. They ensure you get out of tight spots and get back on the road quickly. These mats are built to last using heavy-duty polyvinyl chloride. It offers a non-slip track for your vehicle's tires in mud, snow, ice, and sand. But if you want it to be of any use to you, get two units instead of one. 

When your car gets stuck in the middle of nowhere, simply insert the traction mats between your car’s tires and the slippery surface and drive ahead. You can buy the traction mat with confidence as Snow Joe offers a two-year warranty for it. The mat rolls up for quick storage and comes with a carrying bag.

However, you should know that this traction mat has a very strong smell. Air it out once you get it. It may also be difficult to insert under a tire, so you may need extra help.

Our top pick is the Maxtrax Vehicle Recovery and Extraction Device. It has a strong structure that can accommodate large and heavy vehicles. It’s also super easy to shove under the tire. 

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that can make tire extraction easier, consider the BASHIK Folding Traction Mat. 

These tire traction mats can be folded and take up less space than non-foldable tire traction mats. You don't need any tools to assemble them and you can set them up in a matter of seconds. However, it is worth noting that these tire traction mats are less durable than non-foldable tire traction mats. Most of these mats have a smooth finish that makes for easy cleaning.

Non-foldable tire traction mats are usually designed for both large and small vehicles. They quickly provide the traction needed to remove vehicles from sand, mud, and snow, and to also offer support to fully loaded vehicles. Some have arched grooves that help tires to stay centered. Their deep opposing grooves grip the tires and the slippery surface to provide the traction needed to get the car moving again without damaging the tires.

Some tire traction mats are industrial nylon while others are high-quality polypropylene plastic. Galvanized steel shows up in some models' with rubber treads, but these are usually rare due to the increased expense. Traction mats made of nylon or plastic are quite affordable and very easy to use. However, those made from steel are usually more durable. 

Nothing is as frustrating as having traction mats that are not long enough to get your vehicle out of a hole. However, this doesn't mean that you get the longest mats available for your car. As a matter of fact, very long traction mats do not work well with front-wheel drive cars. They may also be difficult to place under the tires at a steep angle.

This is a very important feature as it determines how useful the tire traction mats will be. To ensure you choose the right mats, measure the width of your tires first. Tire traction mats come in a variety of widths. The mat's width should be wider than the tire's width. If you own a large truck or car, make sure the mats you get have sufficient width to handle larger tires.

It is important to get traction mats that come with a carrying bag or box. This makes it easy for you to store them in your vehicle after you use them without getting the vehicle dirty or filling it with mud. If you happen to get tire traction mats that don't come with a carrying bag, consider buying one separately. 

You've got questions. The Drive has answers.