Traction

Traction is frictional grip at a contact surface that lets it transmit force without slipping. It depends on the surfaces, the force pressing them together, and their conditions.

Friction: Friction is resistance to relative motion between surfaces in contact. Traction is the useful grip produced by friction at a contact interface.
Tire: A tire is a resilient ring fitted around a wheel to support motion and transmit forces. Its tread and compound shape the grip available at the road interface.
Rolling resistance: Rolling resistance is the force opposing a wheel's motion as it rolls over a surface. Unlike traction, it resists motion rather than enabling force transmission.
Frictional contact mechanics: Frictional contact mechanics studies forces and motion at contacting surfaces that resist sliding. It supplies models for traction when real surfaces are rough and deformable.
Static friction: Static friction prevents surfaces in contact from sliding relative to each other. It supplies the grip that transmits force before slipping begins.
Tire tread: Tire tread is the patterned outer surface of a tire that contacts the ground. Its channels help maintain grip by clearing water and loose material.
Adhesion: Adhesion is attraction between unlike surfaces in contact. It can contribute to traction, but traction also depends on deformation and friction.
Rubber friction: Rubber friction is the resistance to sliding produced when rubber contacts another surface. Rubber grip depends on deformation and energy loss, not just simple surface roughness.
Normal force: Normal force is the perpendicular contact force exerted between surfaces. Greater normal force generally raises the maximum frictional force available for traction.
Anti-lock braking system: An anti-lock braking system modulates brake pressure to reduce wheel lockup. Keeping wheels from locking helps preserve steering control during hard braking.

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