What effect does tire traction have on vehicle movement during a turn?

Tire traction plays a crucial role in vehicle dynamics, particularly when maneuvering through turns. When a vehicle turns, the tires must grip the road to maintain control and stability. Adequate traction allows the tires to effectively translate the vehicle's steering inputs into movement without undue sliding or skidding.

When traction is enhanced, it improves the vehicle's ability to follow the desired path through the turn, providing the driver with a greater sense of stability and control. This is because the tires can better resist lateral forces acting on the vehicle as it corners, allowing for smoother turns and reducing the risk of losing control. Enhanced traction keeps the vehicle stable, enabling the driver to adjust speed and direction more effectively, which is particularly important in dynamic driving situations.

In contrast, decreased traction can lead to instability and challenges in maintaining control during turns, which can result in skidding or unplanned vehicle movements. Additionally, while braking distance may be influenced by many factors including road conditions and vehicle speed, the primary relationship of traction in a turn is about control and stability, rather than simply affecting braking distance directly.