Siping is for improved wet/snow grip. I suspect the benefits are minimal
in the wet, but the regular snow runners swear by it for the white stuff.
In the dry, its effects should range from nothing to detrimental.
Jon
Traci Pearson wrote:
>
> I was just thinking about tire grip and the fact that tires with the
> most grip are slicks. They have the most possible surface area, right?
>
> If you go buy tires now, the deal want to "sipe" your tires: cut small
> slits all over the tread. They say it creates more grip on the road.
>
> I don't know of any solid evidence for or against this practice. But my
> common sense says that the more whole, flat "pieces" of rubber you have
> against the road, the better your grip is going to be. Look at high-end
> performance tires; they have fewer and fewer grooves in them, more flat,
> whole rubber against the road.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts on siping? Does anyone know of any studies
> or solid evidence that prove or disprove its value?
>
> Thanks for satisfying my curiosity!
>
> Traci Pearson
> Pearson Technical Communication
> Writing, Editing, Information Design Print and Online
> pearsontechcomm@frii.com
> (303) 410-9101
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