how do tire treads actually generate more traction on flat surfaces?

Question

I can understand in off-roading because they would actually bite into the ground and push against it, but if the road does not deform into the treads then wouldn’t it be better to have them slick for more surface area? why do race cars use slick tires and not consumer vehicles?

In: 186

Answer 1

They actually don’t. For maximum traction on a dry surface, slick tires produce the most grip.

But that’s the key point; dry surface. On slicks, water gets in between the tire and the surface. What treads allow is a place for the water to slip into.