Tyre tread sipes and their purpose
Tyre tread sipes are small slits or cuts found on the surface of the tyre tread. They provide great traction in snow, ice, mud, and wet road surfaces. But they sure don’t get enough credit for the level of safety they provide to any driver’s experience. Iconic Australian tyre recycler and founder of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides more information about sipes.
Regardless of how important tyre sipes are, when it comes to purchasing a new set of tyres, tyre sipes are often overlooked as a possible criterion. “If tyre sipes greatly affects the smoothness of a ride, then it is surely an important factor to consider when comparing tyres,” Said Lett.
It all began in the 1920’s when a man, who worked in a slaughter house, by the name of John Sipes became annoyed by the fact that he’s shoes made him slip on wet floors. This is when the brilliant idea, to cut slits into the soles of his shoes, came to mind. This gave Sipes the traction he needed when walking on wet surfaces.
Thanks to this discovery, more advances were made to the tyre. Today, the types of tyres vary from wet weather tyres, to all-season tyres that can withstand any type of weather.
Besides the obvious and already mentioned, improved traction, tyre sipes have many other advantages. These include “improved surface grip and better control of the wheels,” Lett says. Tyre sipes also improve the lifespan of tyres and contributes to a shortened braking distance.
One disadvantage is that tyres with sipes don’t provide much grip in high-heat conditions. That’s why summer tyres don’t have as many sipes. In the summer, tyres get traction from contact made with the road. Lett says, “if summer tyres had more sipes it would just add pressure between the road surface and the tyre, which would only negatively affect the vehicle’s durability.”
When it comes to finding the right tyres, it can become complex. Speaking to an expert ensures the right decisions are made with regards to tyre maintenance and replacements.
Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package starts at $7.97 and helps motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 located at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.
Written and syndicated by YDMA News.
