In a message dated 12/17/99 11:15:53 AM Eastern Standard Time,
pringlmm@mcmaster.ca writes:
<< I could be wrong here but isn't the "weight per square inch" (ie.,
contact pressure) dictated by the tire pressure and not the width of the
tire. I would think the a narrow tire would have a contact patch that's
longer in the axial direction of the car but not any smaller. >>
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Tire pressure is a factor, but less so than the tire width. A higher
pressure will result in a slightly smaller contact patch in any tire,
therefore giving more lbs/sq. in. A wider tire will probably have a shorter
contact patch, but will still be wider and create a larger patch than a
narrow tire. Also, higher tire pressure will not make a wide tire narrower
unless the pressure is way up there.
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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