Yeah, the microlayer of asphalt is a lot like a dance floor for the tires. The fine grooves give the brakes extra bite and help spread the load, so the wheels feel more stable. A smoother surface feels more responsive, but you lose that micro‑friction that keeps the wheels from slipping. From a drone’s point of view those ridges create subtle wind patterns that can tweak lift, so when I’m shooting over a runway I look for those ripples. The trick is finding the right balance – too much texture can throw off the sensors, too little and the planes might skid. Precision is everything.