Should Small Gravel In Tire Tread Be Removed?

[Jetronic]

Once I had to repair a tyre that was punctured by gravel, but that piece was sharp like a ceramic knife on the side facing the tyre. None of the other millions of pebbles caught caused damage.

If I was balancing, I would remove the bigger ones, pea sized and up

 

[henni]

These are my year-old winter tires (Nokian Hakkepaliittas)

Nokian Hakkapeliitta (based on a Suomi language battle cry hakkaa päälle, commonly translated as 'Cut them down!)

 

[Carmudgeon]

Enabler. Ordered! hahahahahaha

I almost ordered one from AX, but for about $3.

I don't go out of my way, but do dig them out. In the same way I dig out the ones that end up in the soles of hiking shoes.

 

[taintedtattoo]

I admit, I laughed when I first read this. However I run Mickey Thompson Baja boss AT's and they really pick up the gravel. I do all my tire rotations myself so when I pop off a tire and slowly roll it to the next spot, I flip out any sharp looking stones, does it matter, probably not but it makes me feel better. I certainly would not balance my tires now with all the stones in them, I also would not drive behind me when I leave my long gravel driveway for the first few miles.