Understanding Tire Traction and Why It Matters
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Tire traction is the grip a vehicle’s tires have on the road, determining how well it can start, stop, and manoeuvre, and it is a physical property of the tires themselves rather than an electronic system.
Tire traction refers to the tires’ physical grip on the road, distinct from the electronic traction control system that reacts when that grip is lost.
Why Traction Is Significant
Good traction enables effective braking and steering, gives a driver better control in adverse weather, and improves fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.
A Real-World Scenario
On an icy Canadian road, tires with good traction allow a driver to navigate turns safely and stop effectively, while poor traction risks skidding or sliding.
Maintaining Good Traction
Regularly checking tread depth and overall tire condition is the most direct way to keep traction at a safe level.