Questions and Answers
Siping Tires
Q. I have two questions for you. I hope you can/will give me a little advise about tires and rims. I have a 1979 Chevy Malibu Wagon with a 305 V8, auto, and air (205x75x14 tires and stock 14x6" rims).
I just want to keep it safe and repair it as inexpensive as possible.
1) When bought new tires from Discount Tire (San Antonio) a few weeks ago, the sales guy told me that 3 of the 4 rims were bent and should be replaced soon (as not to void the road hazard warranty) and they might cause a highway vibration (which they do). I checked on used wheels, but the cost is about $42.00 each. So I am considering getting American Racing's "White Wagon Wheels" (14x7), costing $40.00 each (complete with cap and lug nuts) and maybe paint them the color of the car (blue). Is the size and type of wheel for my Chevy okay? Or should I go to a 14 x 6 wheel or another type or style that would fit better?
2) At the same time the salesman told of a process that would improve mileage and traction. He recommended to bring the tires back in 5,000-10,000 miles to have the tires "cut" (SAF-TEE SIPING). Do you know anything about this process and is it worth the $15.00 per tire price of doing it?
I would appreciate a reply and any advise on the two questions. Thanks for your time and advise...
Take Care,
FrankA. You can use either the 14x6 or 14x7 wheels for that car. The 14x7 will lower the car a tad but not adversely effect the car's handling. American Racing makes a nice wheel, but if you're going to repaint it to match the car, it will need to be professionally done. There are special paints and clear coats used for wheels.
If you look at a tire you will see small "cuts" radiating out from the tires grooves. These small "cuts" are called Sipes. Siping the tire adds more of these sipes and is supposed to make them run cooler and last longer. They also help channel water out from under the tire and increase wet road handling and prevent hydroplaning. As far as increasing gas milage, I don't know about that. I think the salesman may be overstating the advantages of the process.
Is it worth getting it done? I don't know. Last August when I bought new tires for my Mercedes I was asked if I wanted them siped. I read the brochure and watched them perform the process on a set of tires and declined. To me it didn't seem like it was worth $15.00 a tire. It may help a cheaper tire be better, but I bought a nice set of Michelin radials and they are just great the way they were. Personally, I would add the $60.00 to my tire purchase and get a better tire.
