View Single Post
Old 12-14-2009, 12:12 PM   #14 (permalink)
thatguitarguy
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Leadville, CO
Posts: 509

Maroon Ballon - '98 Chrysler Town & Country LXI
90 day: 26.42 mpg (US)

MaEsTRO - '95 Geo Metro 5spd hatch, 3 cyl
Thanks: 47
Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by vtec-e View Post
But wouldn't a tire with higher pressure push more into the road surface, due to there being more pressure per unit area between the tire and the road?
A vehicle with more weight or downforce will push more into the road surface. With weight and downforce being a constant, higher tire pressure only reduces the size of the contact patch.

Therein lies the argument of traction. Higher pressure = smaller contact patch, and vice versa.
  Reply With Quote