When a tire slides, what type of material is often melted onto the road surface?

When a tire slides, the friction generated between the tire and the road surface can cause the rubber from the tire to heat up significantly. This extreme heat can result in some of the materials in the asphalt or bitumen used in the road surface being softened or melted.

Bituminous material, which is a sticky, black substance produced from crude oil, makes up a significant portion of asphalt pavements. During a tire slide, the heat causes this bitumen to separate and produce a smear of melted material on the road surface, which can be indicative of tire skidding events. This bituminous material smear is an important factor to recognize in accident reporting and investigations, as it can help reconstruct the dynamics of a vehicle's movement prior to a collision. Understanding this phenomenon enables accident reconstruction professionals to more effectively analyze skid marks and the conditions of the roadway immediately after an incident.