Should I sipe my MT/R's for wet pavement/ice?

I had mine siped, and I did notice a _small_ improvement in straight line wet traction. However, a siping machine cuts grooves at 90 degrees to the sidewall, so the siping does nothing/ nada/ zilch to help lateral stability (steering). Siped MT/Rs still are not the good choice for ice. I like the Yokohama Geolander I/t for that. They start and stop great and keep you out of the ditches.

If you decide to sipe yours, do just the center part of the tread so you don't weaken the outer lugs.

John Davies TLCA 14732

'96 Lexus LX450 '00 Audi A4 1.8T quattro Spokane WA USA

jeff, I've had 33" MTR's on my TJ since march. I live in the mountains in colorado, so they have seen plenty of action. So far, they are fantastic. I considered siping but in the end decided against it. I figured I could alawys have it done later if it became an issue. I've had them in lots of heavy rain - they are great. I've had them in deep snow - again they are great. Not perfect on packed snow or ice, but then what tire is? Lee

I have 33's also, but 9.5's and haven't seen the need to sipe them yet. Had them on for 4 years up here in Canada so far. Never aired them down either.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Lee wrote:

I've winter-driven 33x12.5 MT/Rs and can't really complain about them in snow and ice. The 33x10.5 BFG ATs I use on the street now have not proven to be any better in the snow and ice, and have significantly less traction on dry pavement than the MT/Rs did.

/Peter

I've never had my 35" MT/Rs siped and they do pretty good in the rain and Montana snow. But I'm a cautious driver when things get messy.

Terry