View Full Version : Tire "siping"
Has anyone tried this? This is the first I had heard of it:
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos?rcz=77346&rc=TNEINT
rrmccabe
10-19-2006, 10:40 AM
Yes, been around for a while. Michelin does it on some of their tires.
I had a Cadillac STS that I put some speed rated tires on and it had factory sipes.
Supposed to grip ice better. I would not prove or disprove it.
Rich
blautens
10-19-2006, 12:53 PM
There's a mention of siping in this month's Consumer Reports (since they were testing all season and winter radials).
"To see whether siping makes any difference, we tested two performance all-season models, an H-rated Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus and a V-rated Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S, with and without siping.
The siped version of both models showed modest but measurable improvements in snow-traction and ice-braking performance. But braking distances on wet and dry pavement were a few feet longer. Besides costing $60 or so for a set of four, having your tires siped potentially voids any tread-wear warranty. We don’t think the modest gains are worth the extra costs. "
Frostee
10-19-2006, 02:43 PM
the tires (Fireston Destination A/T) i got installed today kinda have that (similar at least, i think)
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/firestone/fs_destination_at_ci1_l.jpg
RayVoy
10-19-2006, 05:29 PM
Very common on snow and ice tires in Canada. May not be at 90* to centerline, but somewhere close.
tblazed
10-19-2006, 05:47 PM
The OE BFG OpenTrail TA tires that came on my 2002 have fine "siping" in the tread blocks. I think this is why they do so well on wet streets.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bfg/bfg_open_trail_ta_ci1_l.jpg
FattyTBEXT
10-19-2006, 06:21 PM
the tires (Fireston Destination A/T) i got installed today kinda have that (similar at least, i think)
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/firestone/fs_destination_at_ci1_l.jpg
I have those tires too. 265/70R17. :D
Dacomputernerd
10-19-2006, 07:59 PM
the tires (Fireston Destination A/T) i got installed today kinda have that (similar at least, i think)
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/firestone/fs_destination_at_ci1_l.jpg
And where are the pics?!? ;)
zambinc
10-19-2006, 10:02 PM
I live in Blowing Rock, NC and we tend to get the snowy/icy stuff. I have the Goodyears that came on the 07 TB SS. Wonder if it's really worth it to do this?
Helluva lot cheaper than Pirelli's!
Highton
10-19-2006, 10:08 PM
I put a set of Hankook IceBears on my WRX last year.... those tires were siped from the factory and they gripped in the snow and ice like no tire I have ever had before. The Subaru AWD system surely was a factor but before I had them on there, the Bridgestones didn't grip anything like the Hankooks did. I'd say it definitely makes a difference.
ScarabEpic22
10-19-2006, 11:14 PM
I know the BFG stock tires were siped and thats why I give them good all around traction cred.
My Toyos came factory siped, but I think they might have been a little better with some extra done as I cant find traction in wet weather (kinda an issue in Seattle:rolleyes: ). A tune doesnt really help this though, but I think if I can baby it through this winter again I can get some 20s in the spring.
Frostee
10-19-2006, 11:17 PM
And where are the pics?!? ;)
once it stops raining here and i can make the TB somewhat clean... its been rainging for like 2 weeks now :no:
blautens
10-20-2006, 09:29 AM
I think we need to differentiate between factory sipes and aftermarket siping processes the post was originally asking about.
We all know why sipes work...but I don't think I want someone else cutting into my tires once they leave the factory...
Frostee
10-20-2006, 09:58 AM
I think we need to differentiate between factory sipes and aftermarket siping processes the post was originally asking about.
We all know why sipes work...but I don't think I want someone else cutting into my tires once they leave the factory...
true enough.
and knowing the design of anything, not just tires, they are designed specific ways for specific purposes. to change that design, you could actually be doing more harm than good.
ie: if a tire doesnt have sipes, then you could be rendering that tire more succeptable (sp?) to failure by degrading its actual design. you could be weakening the overall tire for more grip.
rsnow46
10-20-2006, 10:28 AM
true enough.
and knowing the design of anything, not just tires, they are designed specific ways for specific purposes. to change that design, you could actually be doing more harm than good.
ie: if a tire doesnt have sipes, then you could be rendering that tire more succeptable (sp?) to failure by degrading its actual design. you could be weakening the overall tire for more grip.
Siping tires has been around for over twenty years. Originally it was designed for large truck tires, then crossed over to passenger tires. It will provide extra traction, longer mileage and cooler running temps. It is not the same as factory "siped" tread designs. The siping equipment used is a precision machine that provide exacting sipe designs. They will not adversely affect any tire performance issues. Depending on the dealer charge it is worth it. And as for Consumer Reports, their report was on factory "siped" tires. Besides, I wouldn't believe anything they said anyways.
blautens
10-23-2006, 12:09 PM
Siping tires has been around for over twenty years. Originally it was designed for large truck tires, then crossed over to passenger tires. It will provide extra traction, longer mileage and cooler running temps. It is not the same as factory "siped" tread designs. The siping equipment used is a precision machine that provide exacting sipe designs. They will not adversely affect any tire performance issues. Depending on the dealer charge it is worth it. And as for Consumer Reports, their report was on factory "siped" tires. Besides, I wouldn't believe anything they said anyways.
So I can simply have any tire siped and it will provide "extra traction, longer mileage and cooler running temps"? :undecided
Wow...sounds as good as the Tornado...
Siping tires has been around for over twenty years. Originally it was designed for large truck tires, then crossed over to passenger tires. It will provide extra traction, longer mileage and cooler running temps. It is not the same as factory "siped" tread designs. The siping equipment used is a precision machine that provide exacting sipe designs. They will not adversely affect any tire performance issues. Depending on the dealer charge it is worth it. And as for Consumer Reports, their report was on factory "siped" tires. Besides, I wouldn't believe anything they said anyways.
Way back in the 50's US Royal made a tire that had several grooves around the circumference and the entire tread pattern was siped like every 1/16 of an inch. It was their premium tire and my Dad had a set on his car and the really looked good.
87octane
10-25-2006, 07:45 PM
If driving in ice is your question, you need studs. If driving in snow is your question, then the stock SS tires on AWD are fantastic in the snow. I tested last year at Tahoe and had fantastic traction on chains only roads. Truck was 3 weeks old, Eagle RS-A's were new, Stabilitrac and traction control were on, and I drove like a maniac in the snow absolutely effortlessly. Don't work so hard. Chevrolet did the work for you.
ScarabEpic22
10-25-2006, 09:25 PM
If driving in ice is your question, you need studs. If driving in snow is your question, then the stock SS tires on AWD are fantastic in the snow. I tested last year at Tahoe and had fantastic traction on chains only roads. Truck was 3 weeks old, Eagle RS-A's were new, Stabilitrac and traction control were on, and I drove like a maniac in the snow absolutely effortlessly. Don't work so hard. Chevrolet did the work for you.
For me, no. Snow traction is insane!!! I get everywhere in 2HI except when its icy or powder on top of compacted snow with like 4+ in of new snow. Its only in wet/rainy conditions. Like they are hydroplaning all the time.:confused: