Tire siping
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Monroe, MI
Tire siping
Yesterday I took my 05 350 to get the tires rotated. I have 27,000 miles on my Conti's and was suprised to hear I had 11/32 on front and 7/32 on rear for my tread depth. The tire place told me I'm doing well considering factory tread depth starts at 13/32 for these tires.
I got talked into siping the tires because of my complaints of how awful these tires are in the winter. Has anyone noticed the benefits of siping as they promise? Increased traction, mileage, ride, etc. Please respond good or bad. Thank you
I got talked into siping the tires because of my complaints of how awful these tires are in the winter. Has anyone noticed the benefits of siping as they promise? Increased traction, mileage, ride, etc. Please respond good or bad. Thank you
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Northern Utah
I've been very pleased with increased winter traction from siping on my winter Mud Terrains. Unsure about any change in mpg or ride- But a noticeable difference on ice
Last edited by utahtom; Apr 14, 2006 at 10:04 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
I have never done a before and after test. I used to buy winter tires when I lived in Portland and they always came from the factory sipped, so I assume sipping is good for winter at least. I would guess a tire with traction versus one slipping will have longer life, mileage etc.
I have also read advertising that it helps traction and handling. I would kind of wonder on that since I would think it would make the tires a bit squirmy.
I also wonder about tire life if you drive mostly good weather. I would think all the individual blocks of rubber would tend to wear faster.
From the good wear life you are getting I would think the Contis are a bit harder compound so they may benefit from sipping.
I could be wrong on all accounts since I am no tire expert and have never bought enough of one type to have a good history.
Just my opinions,
Jim Henderson
I have also read advertising that it helps traction and handling. I would kind of wonder on that since I would think it would make the tires a bit squirmy.
I also wonder about tire life if you drive mostly good weather. I would think all the individual blocks of rubber would tend to wear faster.
From the good wear life you are getting I would think the Contis are a bit harder compound so they may benefit from sipping.
I could be wrong on all accounts since I am no tire expert and have never bought enough of one type to have a good history.
Just my opinions,
Jim Henderson
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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siping is making cuts along the width of the tire not to include the outermost tread blocks to prevent chunking. i have siped my all/mud terrains and the winter traction is noticably better. in dry waether they do offer a little more resistence to rolling due to the more bitting edges but it is not really noticable. i siped my superswampers and the slick rock in moab is like the two surfaces are glued together. after hearing all the crappy comments about the contis and seing them myself(i would buy new tires right away) if that isn't a option siping is cheaper and works weel in wnter and rain soaked raods.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 139
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From: Iron Mountain, Michigan
I have done tire siping on my own trucks and I have done it on the trucks that I am in charge at work.I think it is a good thing to do to your tires it helps in the winter for tracton Very much. I have tires at work siped and the drivers do notice the difference in the tires to the non siped tires. I have siped tires
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Iron Mountain, Michigan
I have done tire siping on my own trucks and I have done it on the trucks that I am in charge at work.I think it is a good thing to do to your tires it helps in the winter for tracton Very much. I have tires at work siped and the drivers do notice the difference in the tires to the non siped tires. I have siped tires
on my truck and I think it is a good thing to do if you live in a winter area like I do.
on my truck and I think it is a good thing to do if you live in a winter area like I do.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 139
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From: Iron Mountain, Michigan
I have done tire siping on my own trucks and I have done it on the trucks that I am in charge at work.I think it is a good thing to do to your tires it helps in the winter for tracton Very much. I have tires at work siped and the drivers do notice the difference in the tires to the non siped tires. I have siped tires
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Other side of the sunrise
I siped my Contitracs and found a significant improvement in traction on icy roads. Absolutely a good idea, especially with Contitracs. They need all the help they can get. I actually like my Contitracs now that they are siped. (for the price anyway). My work commute involves alot of Sierra Mountain road driving and there is definately a very big difference for the better after siping.
I think the ride might be a little smoother too, if that is possible.
I think the ride might be a little smoother too, if that is possible.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,751
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From: So Oregon
Siping is said to increase tire life because it keeps the tire temperature down, but I don't know if it makes much difference. Siping makes a *huge* difference in traction and if you are in a snowy/rainy environment it should definitely be done. Factory tires have sipes by the way, and some dedicated snow tires are considered studless snow tires based on the factory siping.
