At 11:14 AM 02/11/98 -0800, YauMan Chan wrote:
>Pardon me for jumping in even though I don't have 16" wheels!!!
>
...

>The side effect of all this is that the 16" wheel have a wider contact
surface..  This gives you more friction with the road and will give you more
traction.. But will decrease you gas mileage.
>
>My $0.02 worth.
>
>Yau-Man Chan
>87 GL 
>
not quite, friction is determined by pressure between surfaces and material,
not by the size of the contact area. Large tires distribute the pressure
(weight) over a larger area which can be a disadvantage in rain for example
where you will have more aquaplaning. 

cheers,

Bj�rn

Bj�rn Ratjen

Mill Bay, B.C. 

1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD
(1982 Vanagon Diesel)
1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)