Does tire siping work?

Tire siping works to improve traction by cutting thin slits across the surface of the tire. The process is done by placing the tire on a specially designed machine that rotates the tire while making small, nearly invisible 90-degree cuts in the tread.

Siping a tire can improve traction in snow, ice or wet conditions, and it can improve braking, provide a smoother ride and prolong the tire's life. The added edges give the tire more chances to grip, which improves traction in accelerating and in stopping. Siping also provides more flexibility of the rubber, which absorbs impacts and allows for a much smoother ride. Siping also reduces friction heat, which is the common cause of rapid tire wear.