The little rubber hairs on tires are called vent spews, sprue nubs, tire nibs, gate marks, or nippers, and they are a byproduct of the tire manufacturing process. During the manufacturing process, rubber is injected into a tire mold, and air pressure is used to spread the rubber into all the nooks and crannies. In order for the rubber to completely fill the mold, small pockets of air need to be able to escape. There are small vent holes in the mold so trapped air can find a way out. When the air pressure forces the liquid rubber into all the orifices, a tiny bit of rubber makes its way out of the vent holes as well. These rubber bits firm up and remain attached to the tire when its removed from the tire mold. The little rubber hairs play a vital role in ensuring that there are no trapped gases or air bubbles in the tire that could compromise its structural integrity and performance. However, they do not serve any purpose in the tires performance, nor do they affect driving or safety.