Question

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

• A. Friction would increase as treads increase friction and thus, tyres would start skidding.
• B. Friction would reduce as tyres cannot take advantage of the plowing effect on hard roads if they have treads.
• C. Friction would reduce because treads would make F1 tyres smaller.
• D. Friction would increase as treads increase surface irregularities.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Friction would reduce as tyres cannot take advantage of the plowing effect on hard roads if they have treads.

If a tyre with treads is used on rough surfaces, the advantage of plowing effect is lost as tyres cannot press on to the harder surface to increase deformities and thus, friction would reduce. This is one reason why racing cars do not have treads on their tyres.