Which statement about friction and cornering is true?

Which statement about friction and cornering is true?

• A. Friction has no relation to cornering
• B. The less friction, the less likely you are to turn a corner successfully
• C. More friction reduces control
• D. Friction only affects braking, not turning

Answer: (B)

Friction between tires and the road provides the lateral grip needed to generate the sideways force that changes the car’s direction. When friction is reduced—due to wet, icy, or worn tires—the maximum lateral grip drops. If you push beyond that limit, the tires can’t supply enough centripetal force to complete the turn, so turning becomes harder and you’re more likely to slide or run wide. That’s why the true statement is that less friction makes turning less likely to be successful. Friction also matters for braking and cornering, and more friction generally increases available grip up to the traction limit, rather than reducing control.

Friction between tires and the road provides the lateral grip needed to generate the sideways force that changes the car’s direction. When friction is reduced—due to wet, icy, or worn tires—the maximum lateral grip drops. If you push beyond that limit, the tires can’t supply enough centripetal force to complete the turn, so turning becomes harder and you’re more likely to slide or run wide. That’s why the true statement is that less friction makes turning less likely to be successful. Friction also matters for braking and cornering, and more friction generally increases available grip up to the traction limit, rather than reducing control.