How do cars brake efficiently, even on slopes?

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I’m no expert in cars and how they work, which is definitely why I don’t know the answer to this question. What I don’t get is how cars, even when going down a slope at high speed, can gradually slow down and freeze, even when on a steep slope. Why does it not roll down? I don’t get how the tires freeze the car like glue, like shouldn’t it move slightly at least?

EDIT: I definitely worded this badly lmao. I was more interested in how cars on steep slopes don’t move on slopes, because wouldn’t an object without wheels still slide downwards when on a slope?

EDIT 2: Thanks for answering the question. It makes sense now that the friction of the rubber tires and the material on the road is what keeps it so still when brakes are applied on slopes.

In: Physics

6 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Pick something up only holding it by the sides. That’s basically how car brakes work; friction overcoming gravity to hold something in place. The brake pads have more surface area and a much higher friction surface than anyone’s hands could ever be, and the disc shape of the rotor allows the pads to make continuous contact as the car slows down.

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