Abstract: An anti-skid device for vehicles comprising a plurality of chain strands fastened to a holder which can be set in a rotational movement by means of the wheel of a vehicle against which the holder can be moved an pressed by a carrier. To move the carrier, a drive unit is used which can be operated by compressed gas. The compressed gas is delivered by a gas reservoir formed by at least one exchangeable compressed-gas cartridge which can be opened and connected to a gas pipe leading to the drive unit by means of a device in the driver's cab of the vehicle comprising a lever and a plunger for actuating a hollow needle piercing through he seal of the compressed-gas cartridge.