Have you ever noticed that new tires have rubber hair on them? It’s a weird sight, but there is a reason for it!
These rubber hairs are the result of a crucial feature in the manufacturing of new tires that allows air trapped in the tire mould to escape and prevent air bubbles. However, some rubber also escapes through these vents and leaves behind the “rubber hairs”.
In this article, we will explain why tires have hair, the how the rubber hairs are a part of the manufacturing process and why they are found on all new tires. We will also talk about what they indicate and how to care for your new tires so that they last as long as possible.
Why do tires have rubber hairs?
When you get a new set of tires, you may notice that they have what looks like small hairs on the surface. The rubber hairs that we are referring too are actually called Vent Spews officially, but are also called sprue nubs, tire nibs or nippers.
These rubber hairs are the result of a crucial feature in the manufacture of new tires. The reason that new tires have rubber hair on because they are what is left from the solution in combating the issue of air bubbles.
These rubber hairs are left over pieces of hardened rubber that is left attached to the tire after a tire has been removed from the tire mould.
How are they made?
In the manufacture of a tire, the final step is to take a tire that has been built into the shape of a tire and apply the final tread and informational markings to it. This blank tire is called a green tire.
The green tire is placed inside the mould and applied with heat and pressure. This causes the rubber to expand and fill all the gaps and spaces of the mould, which applies the final tread and markings.
However, this process could cause any trapped air inside to cause air bubbles to form in the tire if it has nowhere to go. This is where the vent spews come into play.
The purpose of the vent spews is to act as a pressure release valve. These vent spews are placed strategically around the tire in order to allow the air and pressure to escape.
Any excess pressurised air escapes the tire mould through the vent spews. However in the process, some of the rubber also finds its way into the vent spews. The tire is then cooled in order to be removed from the mould so that it doesn’t deform.
The excess rubber that found its way into the vent spews remains attached to the tire and this is what forms as the rubber hairs that we see on new tires.
Can you remove them?
The rubber hairs that remain on the tire after the manufacturing process have no functional purpose, nor do they affect the tire in any measurable way. There is no real benefit to removing them yourself as the rubber hairs are small and soft and they will wear away shortly after the tire has been put on the car.
The only reason you may want to remove them would be for aesthetic reasons. If you would like to remove them, the best way to do so is to grab it and pull it off. We would not recommend taking anything sharp to your tire at the risk of causing damage to the tire.
Some people like to use the rubber hairs to indicate that the tire is new and has not been used before. This however is not a very accurate way to measure tire age. For the best way to check how old your tires are or how much they are worn, check out our guide here.
Caring for your new tires
Now that you know all about why tires have hair, you may be wondering how to best take care of your new tires so that they last as long as possible.
The first thing you should do is check your owner’s manual. In it, you will find the specific recommendations for tire inflation and air pressure levels, as well as other useful information.
It is also important to get your new tires balanced and aligned. This will help to ensure even wear and tear, as well as improve the handling of your vehicle.
You should also have your new tires rotated every few thousand miles. This helps to evenly distribute the wear and tear on your tires and helps them last longer.
Lastly, you should always make sure to perform regular visual inspections of your tires. This includes looking for any cracks, cuts or bulges in the sidewalls. If you notice any of these, it is important to have them checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your new tires last for as long as possible. If you’re looking to replace your tires, then click this link for the best price on GoodYear Tires.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will read and respond to every comment, email or question. Thanks for reading!