What does vehicle traction mean?
2 Answers
Vehicle traction refers to the force generated by the friction between the wheels and the ground that propels the car forward, also known as the driving force of the vehicle, which is the power that drives the car to move. The function of vehicle traction is to prevent the driving wheels from spinning when the vehicle is driving on slippery surfaces such as snow, as well as to prevent the driving wheels from slipping during the car's starting and acceleration processes. It includes brake torque control and engine torque control. The working principle of vehicle traction is: the computer detects the speed of the four wheels and the steering angle of the steering wheel. When the car accelerates, if the computer detects that the speed difference between the driving wheels and non-driving wheels is too large, it immediately determines that the driving force is excessive, sends a command signal to reduce the fuel supply to the engine, thereby reducing the driving force and decreasing the slip rate of the driving wheels.
I've driven many cars over the years through various road conditions, and I've found that traction is truly crucial. Simply put, it's the grip between the tires and the road surface, determining whether the car can accelerate or stop steadily. For example, when driving in the rain, tire slippage occurs because traction decreases—water disrupts the grip effect. At such times, it's essential to slow down carefully, avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking. Regularly check the tread depth and tire pressure, as too shallow tread or insufficient pressure can severely affect performance. I make it a habit to measure the tread every three months and replace the tires early if necessary. Remember, traction is even worse on snow or muddy roads, so it's advisable to switch to specialized tires for better safety. Installing a traction control system in the car can automatically adjust power, but driving habits are equally important: maintain smooth operations.