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

Take an eraser. Put it on a smooth glass table and push it. Easy to do right? Take a full 500ml water bottle and put it on the eraser and push it across the table. There’s a bit more friction. Put a 5lb weight on the eraser and there’s more friction.

The weight is pushing the rubber onto the glass, or in a car the weight pushes the tire onto the road.