Tire–Road Interaction: A Comprehensive Review of Friction Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Future Challenges

Abstract

Tire–road friction is a fundamental factor in vehicle safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the tire–road friction coefficient (TRFC), emphasizing its dynamic nature and the interplay of factors such as tire composition, tread design, road surface texture, temperature, load, and inflation pressure. Friction mechanisms, adhesion, and hysteresis are analyzed alongside their dependence on environmental and operational conditions. The study highlights the challenges posed by emerging mobility paradigms, including electric and autonomous vehicles, which demand specialized tires to manage higher loads, torque, and dynamic behaviors. The review identifies persistent research gaps, such as real-time TRFC estimation methods and the modeling of combined environmental effects. It explores tire–road interaction models and finite element approaches, while proposing future directions integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhanced accuracy. The implications of the Euro 7 regulations, which limit tire wear particle emissions, are discussed, highlighting the need for sustainable tire materials and green manufacturing processes. By linking bibliometric trends, experimental findings, and technological innovations, this review underscores the importance of balancing grip, durability, and rolling resistance to meet safety, efficiency, and environmental goals. It concludes that optimizing friction coefficients is essential for advancing intelligent, sustainable, and regulation-compliant mobility systems, paving the way for safer and greener transportation solutions.