Siping (rubber)

Siping is a process of cutting thin slits across a rubber surface to improve traction in wet or icy conditions.

[1][2] The story told on various websites is that, in the 1920s, Sipe worked in a slaughterhouse and grew tired of slipping on the wet floors.

On roads covered with snow, ice, mud, and water, sipes usually increase traction[citation needed].

Typically, wide, straight grooves have a low noise level and good water removal.

Bandag developed a machine for microsiping which places a curved knife blade at a slight angle on a rotating drum.

A significant problem with field siping is that the tread picks up rocks, glass, and other hard road debris in use, and even with thorough cleaning the knife service life is often poor.

Consumer Reports recommends against adding more than "the sipes that your tires come with" because of longevity and dry performance.

Claims that extended life is achieved by siping may only apply to certain environments, operating temperatures, and rubber compound builds.