230k views
4 votes
What happens if your demand for traction exceeds the amount that you need?

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Exceeding the necessary demand for traction can result in unnecessary tire wear and lower fuel efficiency. The right amount of traction is crucial for safe driving and effective vehicle operation. Situations requiring increased traction, like winter driving, must be balanced to avoid overexertion and tire damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

If your demand for traction exceeds the amount that you need, it implies that the traction force generated by your tires is greater than necessary for the driving conditions. This can lead to unnecessary tire wear and decreased fuel efficiency. Considering that traction is the frictional force between the tires and the road that allows a vehicle to accelerate, turn, and stop, having the right amount of traction is crucial.

An example where more friction is desirable, in addition to using winter tires for icy roads, is in sports, like track athletes using running spikes to gain better traction on the track for faster acceleration. Too much traction, however, can sometimes be detrimental, as in the extreme cases of a child pulling a wagon with a stretchy rope, leading to a snapping force if over-done, or a personal scenario in which resource constraints, such as financial savings, are overly taxed by unforeseen circumstances. Having suitable traction means finding a balance for safe and effective vehicle operation.

It's also important to note that as the car is driven and the tires flex, their temperature increases, and therefore the pressure inside the tires increases. This is because the increased temperature raises the air pressure inside, thereby increasing traction but also potentially leading to overinflation if not monitored.

User Rajorshi
by
7.6k points