Stable and strong traction is one of the most wanted traits of your tyres. Thus, a car driver may find themself in great trouble if Goodyear Tyres Alton loses traction in the middle of the road. Traction means the ability of tyres to hold the road while you drive your car. Naturally, the tyre will be able to make a perfect grip if the surface is quite rough to generate friction. But smooth surfaces like mud and sand will make it difficult to maintain proper traction.
What factors affect traction?
Interestingly, your tyres have to handle more than one factor when they provide a perfect grip on the ground. These factors determine the level of traction tyres may get to make your drive smooth and comfortable. Some common factors are explained below:
The road surface
The surface of the road is the most common factor that determines the level of traction. Well-constructed roads are made of asphalt, cement, and other materials. Therefore, tyres provide proper traction on these surfaces. However, water on the road may make things difficult for the tyres. The surface of muddy, snowy, or sandy roads is also not favourable in terms of proper traction.
Design and condition of your tyres
Tyres are designed to provide optimum traction. Moreover, tyres will be more effective if you have bought your tyres according to the road surface. For example, winter tyres are made for snowy roads and mud tyres are for muddy roads.
The load on the vehicle
Your tyres carry the load of your vehicle. Heavier vehicles help the tyres to provide better traction because the weight pushes the tyres against the ground.
Wheel balancing
Wheel balancing means that the weight of a vehicle is distributed equally across all four wheels. This is an ideal condition for the tyres to make proper traction. Thus, it is essential to check wheel balancing at regular intervals.
Traction loss on wet roads
Water on the roads is a common problem that drivers face especially during rainy months as it can lead to hydroplaning. In this phenomenon, water creates a layer between the road surface and tyres. As a result, tyre loses traction completely, and your car skids on the road.
Possible risks of traction loss
When your front tyres lose traction, a risky situation called under steering occurs. In this situation, your vehicle will not respond according to your steering wheel. It will go straight even if you try to turn it to the right or left side.
Low traction in rear tyres will cause oversteering. In this condition, your rear tyres will act to turn your vehicle in the opposite direction of your steering wheel input.
Some ideas to deal with traction loss
It is the best idea to drive your car at a suitable speed. Look at road conditions and then increase your speed. Moreover, do not travel with improper tyre depth. Bald tyres increase the risks of hydroplaning, oversteering, or understeering. Keep your tyres properly inflated since air pressure also plays its role in providing proper traction.
Tyres according to road conditions
You can reduce the risks of traction loss by buying appropriate tyres according to road conditions. Snow or winter tyres are a well-known category of seasonal tyres. These tyres are designed in such a way that they provide effective traction on snowy or cold surfaces.
Similarly, mud tyres have a special design of tread pattern according to sand or mud on the surface. However, even if you buy appropriate tyres, the basic rules of tyre maintenance will not change. You have to keep your Tyres Alton inflated and they should maintain proper tread depth as well to roll on unfavourable road conditions.