Final answer:
When choosing and maintaining tires, factors like tread pattern, size and pressure, and cost should be considered, while color and brand popularity are less critical. Proper tire pressure ensures safety, better gas mileage, and reduces tire wear, and more friction is also desirable in sports for better traction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When choosing and maintaining tires, you need to consider several factors to ensure safety, performance, and efficiency. While color is not an important factor, the tread pattern is crucial for providing the necessary grip and handling characteristics on different road surfaces, such as icy roads where more friction is desirable. The size and pressure of the tires are essential; selecting the correct size for your vehicle and maintaining the recommended pressure ensures optimal performance and safety. The recommended pressure, typically between 32-35 psi, should be found in the owner's manual or on a label inside the driver's door and always checked when the tires are cold. The pressure indicated on the tire itself is the maximum pressure, not the suggested one. Lastly, while brand popularity may offer an indication of quality, it should not be the sole factor in choosing a tire, as some less popular brands may offer comparable or even superior performance at a more economical price. Moreover, it is important to consider whether the tires are domestic or subject to import tariffs, as this can affect the overall cost.
Another example where more friction is desirable is while playing sports, such as basketball or soccer, where athletes require shoes with good traction to stay stable and move quickly without slipping.