Abstract: A traction assist device (16) adapted for girdling a motor vehicle tire (10) is fabricated as a nominally flat polymeric part that can assume a circular shape for fitting onto the tire. The part has a pair of side bars (18, 20) that are nominally straight, but assume circular shapes for fitting against opposite side walls (14) of the tire. A number of transverse bars (22) integrally joining with the side bars extend between the side bars at intervals along the length of the side bars. Each transverse bar is nominally straight, but wraps over the tire tread (12) when the device is installed. Respective ends (32, 34) of the side bars cooperatively form a respective connector (36) for connecting the respective ends together using interlocking serrated zones (40, 54). One zone (54) is on a pawl (54) that can be released to allow the ends to be separated.