Skidding Tests and the Findings

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

Skidding Tests and the Findings

The findings of recent skidding tests should prove a warning to motorists, in view of the number of smooth, wellworn tyres seen on vehicles about the streets.

It was proved that, regardless of tyre tread designs, adhesion between road and tyres decreased with the speed of the vehicle, reducing resistance to skidding and increasing the difficulty of bringing a fast travelling car to a stop' in an emergency. This effect is most pronounced from a braking standpoint. The tests disclosed that light rain causes the average bitumen-faced road to become about one-third more slippery, also that sliding the wheels 'of. an automobile when applying brakes results in the vehicle , travelling much farther before it is brought to a stop.

It was also proved that worn tyres may double the tendency for wheels to slide.

From a mot6r operating viewpoint, the tests indicate that brakes which lock too easily are a hazard ratheh than a help, and that adjusting brakes so that a car cr truck can be slid to a stop, as is the custom in'some service stations, decreases rather t than increases driving safety.