Tire siping for better wet and snow traction

[humblex5]

As I'm pricing out some Toyo Proxes S/T 275/40/20 + 315/35/20, the manager at the tire store suggested that I sipe my tires because I'm going to be using them year round. I've never heard of this so I did some research:

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos

It looks as though there are many advantages to siping including: 1. better traction in wet and snow 2. improved braking 3. quieter ride. The disadvantages seem to be debatable including uneven wear but the advanatges seem to outweigh these. I think I'm going to get this done, anyone try this before?

[broknlgs24]

i've never heard of such a technique.
keep us informed.

[rayxi]

The advantages are only for cold/snow/ice/wet conditions. Siping decreases performance for warm/dry conditions because it allows too much tread block movement. This is why slicks give the best grip on a dry track.

However, since most of us in the real world never come close to the limits of a good tire on the dry the advantages likely outweigh the disadvantages. Did the tire dealer say whether siping affects the manufacturer's warranty?

[Edit] Siping probably decreases tread life as well. This is just an intuitive guess on my part with no facts to back it up.

[B&DCalgary]

rayxi is correct. FYI, winter tires come with siping from the factory.

[jditom]

Originally Posted by humblex5

As I'm pricing out some Toyo Proxes S/T 275/40/20 + 315/35/20, the manager at the tire store suggested that I sipe my tires because I'm going to be using them year round. I've never heard of this so I did some research:

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos

It looks as though there are many advantages to siping including: 1. better traction in wet and snow 2. improved braking 3. quieter ride. The disadvantages seem to be debatable including uneven wear but the advanatges seem to outweigh these. I think I'm going to get this done, anyone try this before?

Those are some wide tracks. I would think that sipping would help with hydroplaning? I also have Toyo P on my 19's set up with 255F, 285 rear and I occationally feel some hydroplaning in heavy wet areas. My 255 Nokian's winter tire has yet to hydroplane. And they are siped.
Nokian siped