On car tires, shoes and other such items, having less of the material in contact with the surface underneath increases traction. Why is that? Isn’t friction a function of the contacting area and speed?
In: 11
Car weighing 5000# with a contact patch of 50 sq inches = 100 psi of pressure on that patch.
Car weighing 5000# with a contact patch of 40 sq inches = 125 psi of pressure on that patch.
In other than ideal conditions traction is enhanced by increased “weight/pressure” on the contact patch. It is why “winter tires” are generally narrower than all seasons.
Latest Answers