When winter arrives, sudden weather changes can affect us. The nights are longer than the days, and wet road surfaces can quickly freeze into ice. Having good traction is essential for road safety. Read more here: What is friction and its relationship with traction?
What is friction and its relationship with traction?
A heavy truck, especially when fully loaded, carries a lot of weight. The contact surface of the truck tire is the only link with the road that allows the truck to move forward. Increasing friction, especially in slippery road conditions, is crucial for maneuverability. Different tire qualities, manual snow chains, and automatic snow chains are examples of factors that can improve maneuverability.
Grip and friction can be described using the following concepts below. These concepts explain why traction is worse in slippery road conditions.
Adhesion
Rubber tires, when under heavy pressure from the truck, adhere to the rough road surface. The rubber penetrates the irregularities of the road, resulting in better traction. However, this applies to dry roads. When the roads are icy, adhesion decreases significantly, affecting friction and traction.
Hysteresis
Hysteresis relates to how the rubber compresses when the tire's contact surface is pressed against the asphalt and then expands when it leaves the contact surface, thus demonstrating the material's elasticity. This is the primary cause of tire rolling resistance, and this opposing force also decreases significantly on icy roads.
Hysteresis is related to how the rubber compresses when the tire's contact surface is pressed against the asphalt and then expands when it leaves the contact surface, demonstrating the material's elasticity. This is the main reason for tire rolling resistance, and this opposing force also decreases significantly on icy roads.
Winter Road Conditions
Most people are aware that traction is worse on slippery road conditions, particularly when there is black ice present...
This is because the friction heat from the tires melts the ice, creating a thin layer of water between the tire and the road surface, thereby reducing adhesion. As a result, the rubber's ability to penetrate the irregularities of the road decreases. Additionally, the time that the rubber remains deformed due to compression is extended, leading to a decrease in hysteresis.
This knowledge is crucial for understanding the importance of traction in a heavy truck's maneuverability. With the use of automatic snow chains, drivers can confidently remain in the warm cabin. By simply pressing a button to activate the system, the chains position themselves under the tire's contact surface, instantly improving traction. Drivers can continue their journey knowing they have increased safety, and once they have passed the slippery section, they can deactivate the system.
This provides a sense of security for daily work on the roads.
As mentioned in the blog post, traction is crucial for a heavy truck's maneuverability. If your truck is equipped with automatic snow chains, you can comfortably stay in the warm cabin. With just a press of a button, the system activates and the chains position themselves under the tire's contact surface, instantly improving traction. You can confidently continue your journey, and once you've passed the slippery section, you can deactivate the system.
This provides a sense of security for your daily work on the roads.
