Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Just about any car can brake hard enough to lock up all 4 tires and enter a skid (or activate ABS to avoid this)- the limiting factor to braking distance is friction between the tires and the ground.

Scaling for static friction between rubber and asphalt does not follow the friction equation you are taught in high school physics class. Generally, for a given weight of vehicle, a larger tire surface area is able to produce more maximum braking friction. In other terms, minimizing the surface pressure and maximizing the surface area at the contact patch increases maximum braking friction.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: