The 9 Best Tire Traction Mats
Editor's Notes
March 07, 2021:
Traction mats are a vital tool for anyone who takes their vehicle offroading, as they allow you to self rescue without the need for winches. They come in a range of designs and to fit a variety of budgets, and we have represented that here.
If you have the space to store them, either in your vehicle or mounted somewhere on the exterior, we recommend going with rigid, single-piece mats, like the X-Bull EE900, Offroading Gear MaxGrip, Maxsa Innovations Escaper Buddy, and Offroad Boar New Recovery, as these are often the most reliable. They can also double as shovels to dig the sand, snow, or mud away from your tire. We like that the Maxsa Innovations Escaper Buddy can snap together, turning your two 45-inch mats into a single 90-inch track. However, the Offroading Gear MaxGrip appear to offer better traction thanks to their large studs, which are replaceable.
If you don't have the space, you will have to turn to either roll-up models, like the Jojomark JM01TC and Snow Joe TrackAssist, or strap-on tools, like the EZUnstuck D02LX and Trac-Grabber Strap & Rescue. While these certainly work, they do also have some drawbacks. In the case of the roll-up models, they provide less stability that flat, single-piece mats. Strap-on tools won't work on all vehicles, as they require a minimum amount of wheel and fender clearance, and have more restrictions regarding tire size. Plus, there is a chance these will just dig you deeper, something that won't happen with single-piece and roll-up mats.
October 17, 2019:
In addition to a sturdy snow shovel, having a reliable set of tire traction mats in your trunk will provide piece of mind that you can free your vehicle should its wheels become trapped in the snow. Our list features both single mats and sets of two, in a range of prices and materials that are appropriate for all budgets. They’ll come in handy in any situation where traction is scarce, including when you’re off-roading, or driving in deep snow or sand.
The newly added Snow Joe TrackAssist comes from a company that specializes in tools that simplify your time outdoors, be it in the sun or the snow. This particular product can save the day at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for a tow truck. It’ll store neatly in your trunk or backseat, thanks to its roll-friendly design and the included fabric cover that closes via secure Velcro. You can purchase it with confidence, thanks to its two-year warranty. One caveat: When it’s new, it can have a strong plastic smell that requires some time to air out.
Since it's no longer available, the Jumbl All-Weather makes its departure from our selection today.