What does it mean when adhesion decreases?
2 Answers
Decreased adhesion indicates a reduction in the grip between tires and the road surface. Here are the specific reasons why adhesion may decrease: Driving in rainy conditions: During rain, the friction coefficient of the road surface decreases due to water, resulting in reduced adhesion at lower speeds. When driving at high speeds in the rain, the rapid rotation of the wheels creates hydrodynamic lubrication between the tire and road, forming a thin water layer. This drastically reduces the friction coefficient, causing adhesion to drop rapidly. Overinflated or severely worn tires: Overinflation reduces the contact area between the tire and road, significantly decreasing rolling resistance and adhesion; severe tire wear reduces the friction coefficient between the tire and road, consequently decreasing tire adhesion.
When driving, if the traction decreases, it essentially means the tires aren't gripping the road as tightly, making the car feel like it's slipping or floating. I remember once braking hard on a wet road and nearly rear-ending the car in front because the weakened tire friction significantly reduced control. This is most noticeable in rainy weather when tire-to-road contact decreases, worsening friction and affecting cornering, acceleration, and braking. Regularly check tire conditions—replace worn treads promptly, maintain proper pressure to avoid blowouts. Routine maintenance prevents issues—safety always comes first.
