Pyöräluisto

Pyöräluisto, a Finnish term, translates to "wheel slip" or "wheel spin" in English and refers to the phenomenon where a driven wheel on a vehicle rotates faster than the surface it is in contact with. This occurs when the torque applied to the wheel by the engine exceeds the friction available between the tire and the ground.

Several factors can contribute to pyöräluisto. These include excessive acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces like ice, snow, gravel, or wet asphalt. Worn tires with reduced tread depth also decrease the available friction, making wheel slip more likely. In off-road driving, sudden changes in terrain can cause a loss of traction, leading to pyöräluisto. Furthermore, poorly adjusted or malfunctioning traction control systems can sometimes inadvertently induce or fail to prevent wheel slip.

The consequences of pyöräluisto can range from minor inconveniences to significant hazards. It can lead to a loss of vehicle control, making steering and braking less effective. On slippery surfaces, excessive wheel spin can cause the vehicle to skid or fishtail, potentially leading to accidents. In some cases, prolonged wheel spin can also cause damage to tires and drivetrain components. Modern vehicles often employ traction control systems designed to detect and mitigate pyöräluisto by reducing engine power or applying brakes to the spinning wheel, helping to maintain grip and stability.