In a very heated debate on another forum, some associates and I have been debating whether or not wider is truly better. So I address this forum...(it's been forever since I posted last)
The basis is that for the same compound of tire, running in it's proper temperature zone, that wider is not always better.
On one side of the arguement, the insistence is that as the area of the contact patch increases (you go to a wider tire), that increase in area is what gives you more grip/traction.
On the other side, grip/traction is controlled by the coeff. of friction x the normal force, and width really doesn't matter.
really the question is...Does the size of the contact patch matter?
Apply this to an autocross or road race car that could be setup on anything from a 195 to a 275 width tire.
I can supply a pointer to the arguement if needed.
steve
The basis is that for the same compound of tire, running in it's proper temperature zone, that wider is not always better.
On one side of the arguement, the insistence is that as the area of the contact patch increases (you go to a wider tire), that increase in area is what gives you more grip/traction.
On the other side, grip/traction is controlled by the coeff. of friction x the normal force, and width really doesn't matter.
really the question is...Does the size of the contact patch matter?
Apply this to an autocross or road race car that could be setup on anything from a 195 to a 275 width tire.
I can supply a pointer to the arguement if needed.
steve
