I'm not considering it for my MINI's run-flats, but I've considered it for my wife's Protege 5 to give her a little extra grab this winter. I've heard differing opinions about tire siping, and would love to get some input from some of you folks. Thanks!

 

Is this for your MINI? Or your 4x4?

Onroad or for offroad use?

See
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/sipe/
May void your tire warranty.

 

hmmm... haven't really heard of tire siping for performance street tires? B4 my MCS, I had a 4Runner with off-road tires that I had siped. It helped w/ traction in snow and reduced the noise from the big treads a bit.

 

I'm thinking about it for my wife's Mazda this winter. The tires probably have a year left on them, and I thought I might have them siped before winter and replace them altogether in the spring.

 

What Mazda?

What kind of tires and how old or how many miles left on them. If the tires are worn but have enough tread then it might be possible but if they are old then probably not.

How do you know you have a year left on them? From likely miles driven per year and the tire wear rating or just a good guess?

Any previous flats on any of the tires?

 

My asdvise is to NOT sipe tires. Tire engineers went thru an enormus process to engeineer this rather complex machien. To take and cut this marvel into little bite sized pieces will promote premature wear and degrade handling charatersitics.

I flew in this last weekend on a 727 - I was thinking of hopping out while we boarded, and portioning my plane's wing and tail rudder section with my sawsall. What do those Boeing Speaa engineers know anyway.

Because SO MUCH is riding on your tires.

Alex