Chapter 12 NATURAL LAWS AND CAR CONTROL

CENTER OF GRAVITY The point around which an object’s weight is evenly distributed.

High Center of Gravity The higher the center of gravity the more likely a vehicle is to flip.

Low Center of Gravity The lower the center of gravity the less likely a vehicle is to flip

Rollover crashes

Energy of Motion Energy of Motion: The kinetic energy an object acquires as it moves. The heavier the vehicle, the more energy of motion it has.

Speed and Energy of motion As your speed doubles, you increase your total stopping distance by four times.

Traction The frictional force that allows a vehicle to grip the road, steer, and stop.

Tread Depth The deeper your tire’s tread the more rain/snow you will be able to drive through. Hydroplaning: occurs when your tire’s tread can no longer displace enough water to maintain contact with the road. In other words your tires are floating.

Tread Design There are many different tread patterns that are designed to work in different conditions.

Which tire for the Job??? TRACK/PERFECT CONDITIONS ALL SEASON MUD/ROCKS

Tread design SNOW ALL SEASON VS.

Tire Pressure As a general rule, It is best to inflate your tires to the tire manufacturer’s maximum recommended PSI.

overinflation Overinflated tires cause only the center of the tire to ride on the road. This causes: -Reduced traction -Longer stopping distances -uneven tire wear with the center of the tire wearing first

underinflation Underinflated tires cause a condition where only the outsides edges of the tire contact the road. This causes: -Increased risk of rollover -reduced traction -uneven tread wear with the outside edges wearing first -decreased fuel mileage

Proper inflation Properly inflated tires contact the road evenly. You get the best traction, mileage, and tire wear. Some cars require very specific tire pressures: when in doubt check your owners manual.