Traction (mechanics)

Traction can be defined as: a physical process in which a tangential force is transmitted across an interface between two bodies through dry friction or an intervening fluid film resulting in motion, stoppage or the transmission of power.In vehicle dynamics, tractive force is closely related to the terms tractive effort and drawbar pull, though all three terms have different definitions.

One notable exception is in the motorsport technique of drifting, in which rear-wheel traction is purposely lost during high speed cornering.

Other designs dramatically increase surface area to provide more traction than wheels can, for example in continuous track and half-track vehicles.

The tracks spread the 70 tons over a much larger area of contact than tires would and allow the tank to travel over much softer land.

when driving on soft and/or slippery ground has been found to improve significantly by use of Tire Pressure Control Systems (TPCS).