What does it mean when adhesion decreases?

[DeJocelyn]

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.

[Erica]

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.

[McAriana]

Reduced adhesion means the friction between the tires and the road surface weakens, leading to decreased grip. Common causes include excessive tire wear, wet or oily road surfaces, which can easily cause the vehicle to lose control and skid. As an experienced driver with over a decade behind the wheel, I've noticed that aging tires are particularly problematic—for example, after driving 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers, the rubber hardens, the friction coefficient decreases, and it becomes difficult to brake effectively in emergencies. It's advisable not to wait until the tires reach their maximum lifespan before replacing them. Developing good habits, such as regularly checking tire pressure and balance, and slowing down in advance during rainy or snowy conditions, can significantly improve safety.

[JordanFitz]

The grip is gone! When the friction between the tires and the road weakens, the car is prone to skidding or veering off course. This situation is particularly dangerous during high-speed lane changes or sudden braking, such as when the road is wet on rainy days—you hit the brakes, but the car slides forward instead, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Here are some coping strategies: regularly check tire wear and don’t skimp on replacements; stay focused while driving and anticipate road condition changes; avoid slamming on the gas or brakes—maintaining a steady speed is safer. Cultivate these habits for a safer drive.

[DylanLynn]

Reduced traction means the tires can't firmly grip the road surface. Common factors include aging cracks in tires, low tire pressure, or uneven road surfaces. I recommend starting with daily maintenance—don't wait until an accident happens to panic: check the tread depth, replace immediately if it's less than 1.6mm; maintain proper air pressure, as too low increases the risk of skidding; avoid areas with water or oil spills, as these reduce friction. Develop the habit of regularly rotating your tires to reduce uneven wear, extend their lifespan, and drive with greater peace of mind.