tire siping - does it help w/ snow traction - Benzworld.org

ProV1x · 10-10-2007, 09:37 AM

i have a set of 17" rims & allseason tires. tires have good tread left, but i was wondering if snow traction would be a lot better if i got tire siping done on them..? otherwise i'm going to have to buy some snow tires. thanks..

lkchris · 10-10-2007, 09:56 AM

Think you should buy some snow tires.

Siping doesn't change the rubber compound, and snow tires have rubber compound formulated to remain flexible at colder temperatures.

In fact, the tire industry is now discouraging use of term "snow tires," preferring instead the term "cold weather tires."

40 degrees F is the published cutoff.

xlimodriver · 10-10-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProV1x

tire siping ..

Someone does this?

What do they do, cut little grooves in the thread with a razor blade?
If your going to drive the car this winter in Michigan, invest in some after market rims and 4 decent snows,

gregs210 · 10-10-2007, 10:32 AM

Hey, Pro.

While you might possibly get marginally better traction with siped A/S tires, you'll still be driving on A/S tires, which won't give you near the safety and control of even cheap snow tires. Thus, I'm on board with your other replies: go get some good snow tires. I'm sure there are lots of great ones out there now, I was always a fan of Blizzaks back when I lived in snow country.

For our poster up north, SIPING isn't just haphazardly cutting grooves with a razor blade, there are specially designed machines that cut tiny grooves perpendicular to the rotational plane of the tire. I'm not a fan myself, but I have a friend who is, he swears it makes a difference in rain. Since the grooves are so small I can't imagine they'd do very much in snow as they would just get impacted and clogged pretty quickly, but it is supposed to help wick water away from the tread surface...just like the larger grooves in the tire do.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

n42w88 · 10-10-2007, 02:48 PM

I don't think siping makes much difference with snow, but on a wet or icy surface it sure does. I hand siped* a pair of truck tires once, and it made a huge difference in the wet. The sipes do not clog up with dirt because there really isn't room for dirt to get in there.

*Yes, I actually used a utility knife with the blade mostly retracted. It was very hard work and took a long time and I would not do it again because it made my hand and wrist hurt for days. You can buy a heated tire-grooving tool to do it, or use a machine - which is the best way to do it, but a lot of places won't do it to used tires.

pweisel · 10-11-2007, 12:03 AM

My current and worn set of tires is about to be replaced as the tread depth is quite low. As we have had our first rains, the tires have "stuck" better than expected on wet (but not puddled) roads. I attribute this to the siping. I have had other super sticky tires that did not do as well, even with much deeper tread, but they were not siped. I will be siping from here on out.

Kajtek1 · 10-11-2007, 09:48 AM

That is hot topic on RV forum, where big tires are involved. Sipping is not cost-effective and not too many shops want to do it. Just like polishing scratches on windshield.
Somebody posted lately, that special snow tires use walnut shells as a material for better traction. They used to be quite popular decades ago and are still available.

ohlord · 10-11-2007, 02:06 PM

this link.
The proof.
Tire Siping - Discount Tire Co.

If you really drive in the snow,these are the best snow tires I have found for driving to the mountains for cross country ski trips.I think costco can order them.Discount tire is where we got our last 4,and don't use them for anything except for the snow months,they wear fast and are not all around tires.
Don't forget the mich sale is on $40 bucks off on a set of 4 tires till oct 25 or so.
X-Ice®: Winter: Tires: Michelin Tires
Don't know if they make them for the 17in you might have to go to the alpin for the e55,they are about 180 ea. I think

xlimodriver · 10-12-2007, 11:06 AM

Re: Michelin X-Ice.
Why in the world would you recommend putting a "Q" rated tire on a car that is listed as needing a "H" rated or higher?

ProV1x · 10-12-2007, 01:32 PM

hey guys -

we only get about 40 in of snow here in ann arbor per yr, and since the allseason tires have a LOT of tread left, i will give tire siping a try. discount tire here is a top-notch shop, and they charge $10/tire. going from current 275/35/18 size to 235/45/17 alone should help w/ traction.

i guess if they don't work out or if we get pounded this yr, i can always order some snow tires anytime. i actually drove on Dunlop SP2000 summer only tires for 2 yrs when i first got here.