The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word SIPE
S
I
P
E
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "this helps with road-holding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case this helps with road-holding = sipe.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SIPE mean?
SIPE noun- Slit in a tire to drain away surface water and improve traction.
- A drain.
- To cut grooves in tires.
- To drain, to filter through peat or reeds; to seep.