Is it okay for a sedan to carry a load of 1000 jin?
3 Answers
A sedan carrying a load of 1000 jin is problematic. It can shorten the car's lifespan, accelerate the aging of components, increase tire wear and deformation, hasten engine damage, make steering heavier, increase centrifugal force, affect the car's handling performance, reduce braking performance, extend the non-safety zone distance, shorten the lifespan of spring steel plates, and decrease the vehicle's passing capability. Especially for new cars that haven't passed the break-in period, it is recommended that the maximum load should not exceed 70% of the capacity. A load of 1000 jin is close to or exceeds the maximum load capacity of most sedans. Driving under such high load can easily cause excessive engine load, severe mechanical wear, insufficient power on slopes, unstable high-speed driving, and increase the risk of traffic accidents.
When I first started driving a sedan, I loaded it with 1000 jin of cargo (about 500 kg) for convenience. As a result, the rear wheels sank, the suspension was visibly strained, and the car felt like it might tip over when turning. Later, when I took it to a repair shop, the mechanic told me that overloading the suspension could prematurely wear out the springs and shock absorbers and even lead to tire blowouts and accidents. Now I understand that sedans are generally designed to carry around 400-500 kg, including the weight of the driver and passengers. Overloading not only makes handling unstable but also doubles the braking distance in emergencies, significantly increasing the risk. So, I advise everyone to make an extra trip to split the load rather than overload the car for convenience—safe driving is the priority. Regularly checking the weight limit label on the door can help avoid such risks.
To be honest, what I fear most in daily car use is overloading. A 1000-pound cargo load is too heavy for a sedan, which converts to about 500 kilograms. A regular sedan can typically handle up to 400 kilograms at most. Overloading causes uneven weight distribution, making the front lighter and the rear heavier. This strains the engine during acceleration and can increase fuel consumption by several percent. Once when I was carrying cargo, I felt the steering wheel become unresponsive and almost scraped the roadside. Later, I found out that overloading can bend the chassis structure, leading to expensive repairs and potential legal fines for overloading violations. My advice is to act within your means—if necessary, transport goods in batches rather than risking your safety and others'. Now, I always weigh items in advance to save both hassle and money.
