Date: 5 Jun 2005 07:29:37 GMT From: Dave Hinz <DaveHinznospamcop.net> Subject: Re: Funny quote about the SAAB 9-3 based Cadillac BLS
On Sat, 04 Jun 2005 08:34:59 GMT, Malcolm William Mason <mwm1nospamedu> wrote: > On Mon, 14 Mar 2005 13:52:31 -0500, "Tex" <texnospamm101.org> wrote: > >>As far as the Aero is concerned, the only quasi-solution is to get >>skinnier/higher profile snow tires and put them on 16" rims. That should >>soften up the ride somewhat, whilst also resolving any ice/snow slippage. > Where do some people get the idea that a narrow track ( or Tread) makes > a better snow tire? I'd say empirical study probably came into it, rather than just theory? > Have they forgotten the elementary formula that friction + the > coefficient of friction X the force(that is the mass of the car)normal > to the surface. Nope, but what you've forgotten is that the smaller an area the weight of a car is sitting on, the higher pressure in pounds per square inch there is, given the same weight of car. A wider tire will "float" on top of the snow - and the friction of snow is a lot less than that of pavement. Gotta cut through the snow to the pavement, and skinny tires are great at doing that. > It is independent of the area in contact. The bigger that area the more > the force (mass) is spread out. Independant, until you lose contact with the road.