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Old 07-16-2008, 08:21 PM   #10 (permalink)
gascort
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Gascort RIP - '93 Ford Escort Wagon
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I'd argue still that when you have a smaller contact patch, you drive water out from under your wheel faster due to increased pressure on the water. When I switched from 245/45/17 to 315/35/17 tires in my mustang (got bigger wheels for looks and altering the car's stance only - I've never believed in contact patch - friction relationships) I lost rain performance. I can hydroplane all the time now in that car.

I'm sure there is a speed at which the greater pressure just won't matter due to the water's viscosity, but I haven't ever experienced it.
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