Where I live we usually have about two weeks every year when all the
local roads are ice covered.  I carry a pair of cheap cables.  If you
watch your speed (<35 mph), keep them properly snugged up and do not
drive on bare pavement they seem perfectly adequate.

If you live somewhere where it doesn't regularly snow, you might try
the local used tire store for a set of studded snow tires.  They might
be really cheap! (I paid $40 for a set (4) of used Avon Weathermasters
in the proper 185-14 Reinforced size in San Diego!)

Jim Arnott
WetWesties
Union, OR (snow this morning!)