How does the texture of a surface influence the amount of friction experienced when two materials are in contact with each other?

The texture of a surface changes how the two materials interlock, so a rougher surface usually creates more contact points and can increase friction. When a rough surface touches another, the bumps and valleys press into each other, making it harder for one to slide past the other. A smoother surface allows the materials to glide over each other more easily, reducing friction. For example, a rubber tire on a dry road feels more grip (higher friction) than the same tire on a slick, polished glass, because the tire’s tread roughness grips the road better. Thus, texture directly affects the friction coefficient by altering the real area of contact and mechanical interlocking.