How much weight can a small car's trunk carry?
2 Answers
The load capacity of a small car's trunk does not have a clear standard. Generally, as long as the total weight of the loaded items plus the car does not exceed the gross vehicle weight, it is acceptable. However, it is recommended not to exceed 300 pounds. If the trunk is overloaded, both fuel consumption and driving safety cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, attention should be paid to the nature of the items stored in the trunk. The following items should not be placed in the trunk: 1. Flammable and explosive items: These should never be stored in the car trunk, especially during high temperatures, as they can easily explode. This is particularly important for drivers who enjoy road trips. Items such as lighters, outdoor gas stoves, and hairspray should not be kept in the trunk to ensure driving safety. 2. Heavy miscellaneous items: Many car owners tend to store a lot of miscellaneous items in the trunk when going on road trips or driving back to their hometowns. Overloading the trunk can strain the car's suspension system and significantly increase fuel consumption. It may even cause the trunk to pop open. It is advisable to manage the trunk space reasonably. 3. Valuables: Valuable items should not be stored in the trunk. Some car owners may think that items are not visible due to sunshades or tinted windows, but this is not always the case in real life. Avoid keeping valuables in the trunk. 4. Fruits and perishable food: These items are prone to spoilage. If forgotten, they can rot in the trunk, affecting the comfort of the ride.
I've been driving small cars for almost twenty years, and the weight capacity of the trunk depends on the specific model and usage habits. Small cars typically have a maximum trunk load capacity between 150 to 250 kilograms. For example, my compact sedan's manual specifies a limit of 190 kilograms, but in practice, I keep it under 150-160 kilograms to avoid overloading and damaging the car. Once, during an early move, I overloaded the trunk with heavy items, causing the suspension to noticeably sag, making steering less responsive and increasing braking distance, which nearly led to an accident. Since then, I've strictly weighed items before loading. I recommend checking your vehicle's user manual for precise figures, avoiding overpacking in daily use, as overloading also increases fuel consumption and safety risks. Regularly inspecting the suspension is also important. Distribute weight evenly to prevent tipping.
