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

If it didn’t rain or snow, street cars would absolutely have slicks. Slicks are better is almost every way as a onroad tire, but when it rains they become useless. So treads are enforced because a little bit of dry performance is not worth sacrificing all of your wet performance.