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Why does putting sand in the trunk of a car help to keep the rear wheels from skidding an icy road?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
the principle is simply that it makes the car weigh more; however, for most people this is not an appropriate solution today.
in earlier cars, the transmission transferred the power from the motor to the rear axle causing the rear wheels to spin. The front tires did little more than steer. In icy conditions, cars would slid for two reasons. First, the trunk is the lightest area of a car so the least amount of weight was focused over the actual driving axle. Secondly, the rear axle was "pushing" the car which is much more likely to cause the front to slide from side to side. To combat the first reason, drivers would add weight over the rear axle to help the car avoid sliding.
In most of today's cars, it's the front tires that are engaged. The rear tires do nothing but follow along. So, not only is there already a considerable amount of weight already over the front tires (a motor and all) but the tires are "pulling" car rather than pushing it. As a result, front-wheel drive cars perform better in icy conditions than rear-wheel drive cars.
A follow-up question for those out there...
Does putting sand bags in the trunk of a front-wheel drive car negatively affect its performance on icy roads? the principle is simply that it makes the car weigh more; however, for most people this is not an appropriate solution today.
in earlier cars, the transmission transferred the power from the motor to the rear axle causing the rear wheels to spin. The front tires did little more than steer. In icy conditions, cars would slid for two reasons. First, the trunk is the lightest area of a car so the least amount of weight was focused over the actual driving axle. Secondly, the rear axle was "pushing" the car which is much more likely to cause the front to slide from side to side. To combat the first reason, drivers would add weight over the rear axle to help the car avoid sliding.
In most of today's cars, it's the front tires that are engaged. The rear tires do nothing but follow along. So, not only is there already a considerable amount of weight already over the front tires (a motor and all) but the tires are "pulling" car rather than pushing it. As a result, front-wheel drive cars perform better in icy conditions than rear-wheel drive cars.
A follow-up question for those out there...
Does putting sand bags in the trunk of a front-wheel drive car negatively affect its performance on icy roads?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
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Chains can be fitted to your wheels to help prevent?
it prevents skidding in deep snow
The shinkansen is...?
It is a bullet train(train with no wheels but magnets controlling it)it is called shinkansen in Japan meaning "new trunk line". did that help? 0_0 It is a bullet train(train with no wheels but magnets controlling it)it is called shinkansen in Japan meaning "new trunk line". did that help? 0_0
Where in the trunk is the top bolt for the rear shock on a 1989 Mercury Marquis?
ITS NOT IN THE TRUNK AT ALL. Well, THAT was a big help ... Doofus! The top shock bolt is not in the trunk, it is between the trunk floor and the rear axle. It is very hard to get at. You'll need to jack up the entire rear end of the car and let the wheels drop as far as they will go. Remove the wheels, look straight into the rear wheel well. Just forward of the axle and just above the frame arch is the top nut. You won't be able to get a socket on it, you will have to use a wrench. It is a pain in the butt! Have fun.
How do you open your trunk from inside the trunk?
I would be calling for help, not asking how to get out in the Internet!
What is the best thing to use to get traction on ice or remove it on new asphalt?
Salt will melt the ice. Otherwise, try putting sand on the ice in front of the drive axle wheels to get started if the car is on a solid surface. Otherwise, a plank of wood at the drive axle wheels will help.
What's a good book to help you with your putting?
The Art Of Putting by Stan Utley is a great book to help a person with their putting.
What kind fo friction will a car skidding on an icy road show?
Sliding Friction . . . Hoped I Help!! God bless :)
How does the trunk help the elephant protect itself?
because the trunk is big and scars animals away
Wheels help reduce?
friction
What is the difference between ABS and ESC system in automobiles?
ABS helps a driver to prevent skidding during heavy braking. This will help to maintain steering control and achieve shorter braking distances ESC has the ABS functions but adds the ability to control skidding during cornering as well.
If the brakes fail on your vehicle the parking breaks may be used to help stop the vehicle as well?
Yes, the parking brakes can be used to stop the vehicle in emergency. But remember that, in most of the vehicles parking brakes apply only to one pair of wheels, so if the vehicle is in high speed, one has to apply them carefully and save the vehicle from skidding.
How do you get your tire treads to wear more evenly?
Several items will help with tire wear: *Insure that they are properly inflated according to manufacturer's instructions *Make sure the wheels are aligned *Rotate the tires on a regular basis *Drive with smooth acceleration and stopping. Take turns at a reasonable and safe speed. Squealing and skidding the tires will have an affect on tire wear.
