Car functionality depends on several factors. Engine, specs and body design all play a role in making a vehicle mobile. Besides these, other lesser-known aspects also come into play to further enhance the driving experience. Car weight, for instance, plays a key role in a vehicle’s functionality. From braking to acceleration, car weight has an impact on several functions. We will do a detailed overview of the different types of car weight and see how these impact a vehicle’s performance.
Vehicle Weights Explained
The many car body types come with different specs. From cargo space to engine size, almost everything varies with models and car types. Vehicle weight depends on factors like the model years and the vehicle type. Additionally, the weight varies depending on the material used.
For instance, electric cars tend to be heavier compared to petrol vehicles. This is mainly due to the enormous batteries used in EVs. Similarly, SUVs and pickup trucks carry more weight as they house larger engines, heavy suspensions and larger drivetrains,
Vehicle mass directly impacts vehicle braking and acceleration. Moreover, it affects the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Therefore, automakers try to keep modern vehicles as lightweight as possible to enhance performance.
Types of Car Weight
A vehicle’s weight-power ratio has a direct connection with vehicle performance. Additionally, different car weight categories help to determine vehicle mass. Let’s go through the list of car weights to learn more about vehicle mass measurement. Learning these can also come in handy to compare vehicles and determine a vehicle’s payload capacity.
KERB WEIGHT
The kerb weight is one of the most common types of car weight. As the name suggests, a vehicle’s kerb weight is measured when the vehicle is in a stationary position or parked at the kerb.
A vehicle’s kerb weight includes all essential car fluids and components. Additionally, vehicles should have a full tank of petrol or diesel to measure the kerb weight. However, the kerb weight does not include driver, passenger and cargo weight.
In general, the kerb weight has two variations,
- Unladen Weight or Minimum Kerb Weight – This includes a car’s weight measurement of all fluids but with an empty fuel tank.
- Dry Weight or Dry Kerb Weight – Measurement of a vehicle’s weight without fuel and fluids.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is also among the car weight classes. It comprises the kerb weight plus the mass of the driver, passengers and the luggage on the vehicle. Depending on the car model, body type and types of automotive materials, this weight varies.
Contrary to kerb weight, the GVW isn’t necessarily used for comparison. This is because the number of passengers and amount of cargo varies with car owners. Therefore, the gross vehicle weight is normally used to determine a vehicle’s maximum payload limit.
Also called Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), the GVW provides an exact figure of how much a vehicle can handle. Going above the recommended number causes serious damage to the vehicle and is also a breach of the law.
PAYLOAD
It includes the weight of the driver, passenger, cargo and the towed vehicle. For instance, a vehicle towing a trailer or boat. The entire weight carried on the towed component is included in the payload.
GROSS Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Similar to GVW, the GVWR is the maximum load capacity of the vehicle. It helps drivers determine the maximum weight a vehicle can carry without incurring any damage.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
This weight type determines the maximum load when towing a trailer. However, in this scenario, the trailer should be fully loaded.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT
This determines the amount of weight carried out by the front and rear axles of a vehicle.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING
The gross axle weight rating specifies the maximum load capacity of an axle. Also, every car axle type comes with a rating to inform drivers about the hauling capability.
FINDING THE EXACT WEIGHT OF A CAR
Every vehicle comes with a different weight depending on model, body type and materials used. Additionally, sometimes facelifting in cars may lead to different weights of the same models. Now, let’s take a look at the ways to find the weight of a vehicle.
OWNER’S MANUAL
An owner’s manual contains all the details about a vehicle. From performance capabilities to maintenance schedules, it is all there in the car owner’s manual. Similarly, drivers can find the weight of their vehicles in the manual.
DRIVER SIDE DOOR
The driver-side door of the vehicle has a sticker with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other specifications. For instance, tyre size, pressure and vehicle weight. The sticker is usually found behind the driver-side door. Besides discovering vehicle weight, there are other ways to find the VIN and engine number of a vehicle.
CAR SCALE
In case of an old model or lost user manual, a car scale can help determine the vehicle’s weight. However, this requires an industry-level scale. Car owners can find these scales at vehicle service centres, inspection hubs and junkyards and determine different types of car weight.
CALL THE MANUFACTURER
With information like vehicle make, model, year and VIN, manufacturers can provide information regarding the vehicle weight. Get in touch with the authorised dealers to get accurate information.
FAQs
How Much Do Cars Weigh?
Small to medium cars usually weigh between 1000 kg to 1700 kg. Whereas, large vehicles can weigh about 1900 to 2000 kg. Additionally, SUVs and crossover vehicles can even touch the 2100 kg mark or more depending on the body size, type and materials used.
Consequently, heavy-weight vehicles in general have superior performance specs. For instance, increased towing capacity and enhanced vehicle protection.
How Many KG is the Average Car?
The average car weight generally falls between the 1900 to 2000 kg mark. However, the figures are variable and depend on several factors such as used materials, body type, size and more.
There you have it, everything to know about types of car weight. The weight of a vehicle impacts performance in more ways than one. Understanding the car weight capacities can help compare used cars and also when buying new vehicles.
Moreover, if you are in search of a high-power vehicle with remarkable pulling power, here is a list of the highest towing capacity vehicles available in the market. For any of the vehicles on the list and numerous others, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and have your pick.
Stay connected with dubizzle’s auto blog to learn about gross vehicle weight and more.
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