What does the traction force of a car mean?
2 Answers
Traction force is the force generated by the friction between the wheels and the ground that propels the car forward. Here is some relevant information about traction force: 1. The power output from the engine reaches the drive wheels through the transmission and drivetrain, and the rolling of the drive wheels on the road surface creates the force that pushes the car forward—this is the traction force. 2. If the traction force is greater than the resistance, the car accelerates; if the traction force is less than the resistance, the car decelerates; if the traction force equals the resistance, the car maintains a constant speed. 3. Since the concept of traction force already represents the effective force at the drive wheels, the mechanical resistance during the internal power transmission process of the car does not need to be calculated.
Having driven for many years, traction simply refers to the grip between the wheels and the road, which keeps the car moving steadily without slipping or skidding. For example, when driving on wet and slippery roads on rainy days, if the traction is insufficient, the wheels are prone to spinning, causing the car to stay in place or lose control and skid, which is very dangerous. To improve traction, you can start with the tires: use anti-slip tires, maintain moderate tire pressure, and regularly check the wear of the tire tread, as these directly affect the grip. Road conditions also play a significant role—dry concrete roads have strong traction, while snowy or muddy roads are much worse. In daily driving, good traction ensures smoother starts and uphill climbs, avoiding unnecessary acceleration risks. Overall, maintaining the vehicle in good condition and being mindful of weather changes can maximize the safety benefits of traction.
