Many people still think that the spikes on tires are to prevent slipping

Many people mistakenly believe that those tiny “spikes” seen on brand-new tires help improve traction or prevent slipping. However, that’s not the case! These small protrusions are actually a normal part of how tires are manufactured and don’t influence tire performance on the road.

What Are These Little Spikes?

Often called “tire hairs” or “nubs,” these tiny bits are officially known as vent spews. They’re an inevitable leftover from the tire-making process and pose no harm. Think of them like the small plastic flash you sometimes find on molded toys—just remnants from production.

How Are Vent Spews Created?

When tires are made, hot rubber is poured into a detailed mold. To ensure the rubber fills the mold perfectly without trapping air bubbles, the mold has numerous tiny vents. These vents let air escape as the rubber flows in, preventing weak spots.

As the molten rubber fills the mold, some rubber naturally squeezes into these small vent holes along with the escaping air. When the rubber cools and the tire is removed, the rubber in the vents hardens, forming those little spikes—similar to how toothpaste squeezes out of a tube’s tip.

Do Vent Spews Affect Tire Function?

Not at all! Despite appearances, vent spews don’t improve grip, speed, or safety. They’re purely cosmetic and usually wear away after driving a short distance. Their presence or absence doesn’t change the tire’s ability to keep you safely on the road.

So next time you notice those tiny “spikes” on new tires, remember they’re just harmless marks left over from manufacturing—a sign your tires are fresh and new, not a performance feature.