If you’ve ever looked closely at a brand-new tire, you’ve probably noticed tiny rubber “hairs” sticking out along the surface and sidewalls. Many drivers wonder: What are these little spikes for? Are they functional? Are they a defect? Should you remove them?
Let’s clear up the mystery behind these small, harmless features.
These tiny rubber projections are called vent spews or vent sprues. They’re not added intentionally for performance — they’re simply a byproduct of how tires are made.
During the manufacturing process, tires are formed using high-pressure molds. To allow air and excess rubber to escape during molding, the mold contains tiny air vents.
When the molten rubber is injected into the mold, a small amount enters these vent holes. Once the tire cools and is removed from the mold, that excess rubber solidifies into the thin strands you see as “hairs” on the tire’s surface.
Contrary to some myths, these hairs do not improve grip, reduce noise, or aid in water dispersion. They’re purely cosmetic and don’t affect the performance of the tire in any way.
These hairs wear off naturally after a few miles of driving. There’s no need to cut them, and they pose no danger to your car or safety.
In some cases, the presence of tire hairs can be a good indicator that:
The tire is brand new or hasn’t been used much.
It hasn’t gone through extensive handling or wear.
However, not all tire brands produce the same number of vent hairs, and some manufacturers trim them off before distribution — so don’t rely on them alone to judge a tire’s condition.
In short: The tiny rubber hairs on new tires are completely normal. They’re not a defect, not dangerous, and not necessary to remove. They’re simply the result of air-venting during the molding process and will disappear on their own as you drive.
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