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Sipes Improve Tire Traction

If you have ever inspected the rubber sole on a pair of canvas boat shoes, you’ll have noticed that the otherwise flat surface is broken by equal-depth slices cut at regular intervals across their width. These cuts improve traction on slippery boat decks. Now, take a close look at your vehicle’s tires. Aside from the grooves and block shapes that make up the tread, there are also cuts in the blocks, which are known as “sipes.” These lateral cuts in the larger tread elements are designed to increase traction in snow, ice, mud, and wet road surfaces. By analyzing sipe placement, orientation, and depth in their tread designs, tire manufacturers can offer consumers products with maximum traction benefits. Sometimes we forget that our vehicle’s tires are perhaps the most important part of our driving safely. Put a penny in the treads. If you can see the head on the coin, you need new tires. Bring your vehicle in to our shop whether you need tires, service, or repair. We handle wheel alignments, brakes, and anti-lock brake systems. Our ASE-certified technicians provide excellent and reliable work with a 12 month/12,000 mile guarantee, as well as straightforward answers to all your car questions. Call 952-473-4848 visit us at 2220 Daniels Street, Long Lake.

Hint: Sipes are named after John Sipe, who received a patent in the 1920s after he noticed that transverse cuts on the heels of his shoes improved traction.