Glossary

Sipe

Last reviewed: 2026-05-20

A narrow cut (typically less than 1.5 mm wide) made into a tread block or rib to add biting edges for wet, snowy, or icy traction. Sipes are common on steer and all-weather tires. As tread wears, sipes shorten and their traction contribution decreases before the overall tread depth reaches the removal threshold.

Sipes improve traction on wet surfaces; a tire with sipes worn out near the tread base provides less wet-weather grip than its remaining tread depth implies.

Real-World Use

A fleet manager in a region with frequent rain notes that steer tire wet traction complaints begin appearing at 5/32 inch rather than at the 4/32 inch removal threshold — the sipes have worn closed before the grooves reach minimum depth.

What to Pair It With

Read this term with the full tire sidewall, vehicle rating information, manufacturer documentation, and the actual condition of the tire.

This site is for general information only. It does not replace professional tire service, DOT compliance advice, tire manufacturer instructions, vehicle manufacturer recommendations, or fleet policy.