Tire Siping?

[LHMissions]

Anyone do it? Has anyone tried it? Has anyone heard anything good about it or from anyone that has done it?

I'm talking about the hand machines - planer like tool - not the shop tire siping machine.

The tool is like $89 on e-bay (or other places on web too). Write-ups are very positive to the benefits of additional siping. Wondering if anyone has every tried it.

[TANK'S 250]

for off-road only tires it would be great,....but not on the road,...it's not legal


Google Image Result for http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/sipe/head_on_gun.jpg

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Last edited by TANK'S 250 : 10-16-2008 at 06:02 AM.

[charlesrf600]

well you may want to look into a shop doing it. it isnt to bad and it may only run you alittle more then what the tool costs. I did this on my mud terrain tires when I lived in MN for the winter and it help tons. I mean night and day diffrence. if it is leagal or not that is a diffrent story but no one is ever gonna pull you over for it. Not only was traction better but the tires lasted longer to.

[LHMissions]

I dont really care much about the legal part - I'm sure most trucks on here depending on the state laws in our perspective states would find many infractions on our trucks - so increasing safety - illegal - so what.

I read a few sparce reports about siping and it sounds like a great idea - like you said - some of the highlights it increases braking ability, increases wet, snow, and ice traction, increases turning traction, increases tread life - the manufacturers dont recommend it but hey - if we sipe - then we buy their tires less often - so why would they recommend it! I know - sipe too deep - or within a certain measurement of the carcas and risk tire failure that could lead to major accident - okay.

Still seems like a good idea.

[anaconda33]

I live in Montana and travel up to 1000 miles a week all year round - lots of icy and snowy roads. Every vehicle I have owned (cars and trucks) I have had the tires sipped. It makes a world of difference for traction and does allow the tires to wear longer and more evenly.

Well, actually, I have BF ATs on my Blazer and the are good enough not to have to sipe.

The tire place I get buy my tires from does it for me for $20 per tire. Well worth it in my opinion.

[APEX320]

Siping your tires is a great idea for traction in wet/icy conditions. If you do alot of gravel driving they will chip up fast, Only get then to sipe them to a maximum of 5/32nds" 100% recommended for winter use. Also for Mud Terrains on Highway to have better heat distribution in summer and slow cupping on the front tires from lack of rotating.