I just came to the conclusion that...
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by Kestrel
Well as far as drag slicks go, there's more to it then just simply more rubber on the ground. The compounds are different, the tread is different, and, going to my next point...
... the reason is IMHO geometry. You're right, in a static situation where the tire does not deform, more rubber does not equal more traction because the pressure on the tire patch is the same. However, a wider tire of the same diameter is under less force per unit area, and thus areas like the sidewall benefit from having to deal with less forces, making the tire stiffer, meaning that when it comes to a dynamic maneuver, more tire remains in contact with the ground.
Of course, this is just something I came up with in about 3 min. So I could be wrong
h: 
... the reason is IMHO geometry. You're right, in a static situation where the tire does not deform, more rubber does not equal more traction because the pressure on the tire patch is the same. However, a wider tire of the same diameter is under less force per unit area, and thus areas like the sidewall benefit from having to deal with less forces, making the tire stiffer, meaning that when it comes to a dynamic maneuver, more tire remains in contact with the ground.
Of course, this is just something I came up with in about 3 min. So I could be wrong
h: 
Do what must be done.
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From: Fountain Valley, CA
Originally Posted by TTT
Why? Why does more rubber mean better traction? The weight of the car will just be distributed over a greater area. Yes, I agree that if the roads were horrible then a wider tire would make a difference, but unless there are potholes all over the place, and you're launching in a big pile of gravel, then I doubt it would have any effect in something such as a 1/4 mile time.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by b16aEGcivic
so if I launch at 5k on donuts up front, or I launch with a set of beefy tires, you mean to tell me that I will get the same traction because of weight. A wider tire distributes heat and weight over a great surface area, which produces more traction.
Let me just point something out, I'm not saying that I am definitely right, I just wanted to start a discussion on this topic. It seems like there may be some slightly bitter feelings to my post... I was just trying to initiate a conversation on this.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by OSX2000
More surface area one the ground does yield better traction. Try doing a burnout in a vehicle on rubber tank treads, or rubberized steamroller wheels, then come back here.
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Bigger tires on the driving wheels will put more traction to the power you put down. Of course you dont put big wide slicks on all 4 tires. Usually huge wide slicks in the front and slim donuts in the back for FWD drag cars.
If you are road racing....wider the better.
If you are road racing....wider the better.
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Originally Posted by b16aEGcivic
so if I launch at 5k on donuts up front, or I launch with a set of beefy tires, you mean to tell me that I will get the same traction because of weight. A wider tire distributes heat and weight over a great surface area, which produces more traction.
Well, it has to do more with the compound, wider tires are usually made of softer compound which provides for more traction. But would you get the same traction with a donut tire that's made of the same compound as a slick? No, because the tire overall would be too soft and will "chew up" under torque.
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From: Palo Alto, CA
Originally Posted by TTT
Point taken. I can also bring some physics into this... now, you also have to remember that most of physics, especially basic physics, is for 'ideal world' applications. F = f * N is the equation used to determine the amount of friction. This equation means "The frictional force is equal to the frictional coefficient times the normal force." Contact area has nothing to do with this equation.
I still stand by my answer, I thought about it some more. I think the wider the tire, the less likely it is to deform unfavorably, which contributes to increased f and increased traction.
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Originally Posted by b16aEGcivic
so if I launch at 5k on donuts up front, or I launch with a set of beefy tires, you mean to tell me that I will get the same traction because of weight. A wider tire distributes heat and weight over a great surface area, which produces more traction.
and he is correct btw...if the tires are the same..the wider one will not provide any more/less traction than the little bit thinner one, taking in consideration that the conditions are the same!