Have you ever noticed those tiny rubber hairs on new tires and wondered what they are? Yes, we have the answer. These small protrusions, technically known as “vent spews,” and have nothing to do with tire performance on the road. They’re a byproduct of the tire manufacturing or steaming process.
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Why Do Tires Have Hairs?
Tire hairs or vent spews are a direct result of their manufacturing process. Manufacturers mold or steam rubber into shape when making tires, and this process can trap air inside the mold.
To prevent this, manufacturers use vents in the mold design, which allow the air to escape. These vents are where the vent spews come from. They ensure that the tire is formed correctly, without air pockets that could compromise its structure or safety.
These hairs are not a design feature or an enhancement; they’re a necessary byproduct of ensuring tire quality and integrity during production​​​​​​​​.
Does Tire Hairs Enhance Riding Performance?
The presence of these rubber hairs on tires might lead some to speculate about their role in enhancing riding performance. However, manufacturers do not intend vent spews for noise reduction, nor do they have any role in riding performance. They serve only to ensure proper air ventilation in the molds during the manufacturing stage.
Some people observed that these hairs enhance grip on smooth roads as they increase the friction between the tire and the road. However, it is not an established fact and many people think tire hairs have no advantages​​​.
Should I Remove the Tire Hairs?
Considering their lack of functional purpose in a tire’s performance, the question arises: should I remove these rubber hairs from my tires? The answer is simple – there is no need to remove tire hairs.
Manually removing them does not bring any benefits. In fact, it’s an unnecessary effort as the hairs will disappear on their own after a short period of regular driving.