Question

Why is having treads on tyres undesirable for racing cars (like the Formula1 cars)?

• A. Treads increase friction and hence tyres start skidding
• B. Tyres cannot take advantage of the plowing effect on hard roads if they have treads and hence friction will reduce
• C. Friction would reduce because treads would make F1 tyres smaller
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Tyres cannot take advantage of the plowing effect on hard roads if they have treads and hence friction will reduce

On rough surfaces, the advantage of the plowing effect is lost as tyres cannot press on to the harder surface to increase deformities and the presence of treads reduce friction. This is one reason why racing cars do not have treads on their tyres.