What primarily determines if a vehicle will move?

The motion of a vehicle is fundamentally determined by the application of force to overcome friction. When force is applied through acceleration, it must overcome the frictional forces that resist motion, including both static friction (when the vehicle is at rest) and kinetic friction (when it is in motion).

For instance, if a driver accelerates, the engine generates force that is transmitted to the wheels. This force must be strong enough to overcome the friction that holds the tires in contact with the road. Only when the applied force exceeds friction can the vehicle start to move.

Other factors, such as the weight of the vehicle, the size of the tires, and the surface of the road, play a role in how well a vehicle can move but do not primarily determine whether it will move. Weight influences the amount of friction generated but does not itself cause the vehicle to start moving. Tire size affects traction and stability but is not the determining factor for movement. The surface of the road can increase or decrease friction but again does not directly result in the vehicle's movement.