Alright folks, let’s settle this once and for all. Those little spikes on your motorcycle tires? They aren’t there to prevent slipping. Shocking, right? In fact, their technical name might just make you chuckle – they’re called vent spews.
Yes, you heard it right. Vent spews. What a quirky name for something so common! But wait, it gets better. They go by other monikers too: sprue nubs, tire nibs, gate markings, and nippers. Talk about having an identity crisis!
The Real Story of Vent Spews
Let’s set the stage. You have a ‘green tire’—not literally green, but a tire compound molded into shape sans markings, information, or tread pattern. It’s the tire in its purest, most innocent form.
Then, this green tire is thrust into a tire mold. Under heat and pressure, the rubber starts to expand, filling every nook and cranny of the mold. And voila, your tread pattern and fancy branding appear like magic! But of course, it’s not that simple. Just think of Mother Nature’s little hiccups—air bubbles.
During this pressure-cooker situation, air bubbles can form between the rubber and the mold. And let’s be real, nobody wants lumpy, bumpy tires. Enter the hero of our story: the spew hole, a.k.a. vent sprue. This tiny tube lets the excess air escape, ensuring your tire emerges from the mold as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
The Technical Scoop from Steve
Toyo Tires’ very own technical manager, Steve Burke, comes to the rescue, demystifying our beloved vent spews. According to Steve, “Air exits, ensuring that no air bubbles form between the tire and the mold, and it transports small pieces of rubber. This is how vent spews are produced. The spews on the tread face are mostly shaved off, but on the shoulders and sidewall of the tire, spews remain intact.”
There you have it, folks. Those little spikes aren’t there to make your tire grippy; they’re just the remnants of an intricate and lovingly detailed manufacturing process.
To Remove or Not to Remove?
Steve continues, “It doesn’t really matter. Vent spews provide no practical use after production. Many show car owners take great delight in shaving or trimming the nibs.”
So, if you’re tempted to give your tire a makeover, keep in mind there’s no practical reason to remove them. But if you must, avoid scissors and blades. Simply grab one and pull it off. It’s surprisingly therapeutic!
So there you have it, another enigma solved in the world of tires. Next time you’re up close and personal with a fresh new pair of Toyo tires, give a nod to those funny little vent spews. Or better yet, put them to the ultimate stress-relief test!
